SIDE
Masala Mac n’ Cheese
SERVES: 4-6
TIME: 30 MINS
EQUIPMENT: 8-10 inch oven-safe pan
So it’s my second year hosting Thanksgiving, and this year I got assigned all the sides.
I wanted something that still feels traditional, but with a twist that brings in a little warmth, a little spice, and a lot of personality.
So we’re making Masala Mac n’ Cheese.
It’s creamy, a little spicy, and topped with that golden, crispy layer everyone fights over.
Basically, the perfect side when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for a no-stress, big-flavor addition to your Thanksgiving table, this one’s it.
Ingredients
PASTA
8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi (I like Chickapea!)
Salted water, for boiling (reserve 1/2 cup to use if needed)
CHEESE
1½ tbsp ghee
½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp grated ginger
½ tsp cumin seeds
¾ tsp garam masala
¼ tsp turmeric
¼–½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder (to taste)
1½ tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups 2% milk, warmed
¾ cup shredded spicy cheddar cheese (I love Yancey’s Habanero & Jalapeno Cheddar - I get it at Costco!)
⅓ cup shredded mozzarella
Salt & pepper, to taste
TOPPING
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted ghee
¼ tsp salt
Pinch of Kashmiri chili powder
Cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions:
Boil the pasta: Cook in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the masala base: In your 8-10 in pan, heat ghee over medium. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add onion and a pinch of salt; sauté until golden (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking 30 seconds.
Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in garam masala, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili powder. Cook 30 seconds, then add tomato paste. Sauté 1–2 minutes until deep red and fragrant.
Create the roux: Sprinkle in flour, stir 1 minute until nutty. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer 5–6 minutes, whisking, until thick and velvety.
Add cheese: Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if you want it extra creamy.
Top & broil: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted ghee, salt, and chili powder. Sprinkle evenly over the top. Broil 3–5 minutes, just until golden and crisp (watch closely!).
Rest & garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets. Optionally garnish with cilantro for color!