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Holiday Baked Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing

 This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer page for more information. 

If cheesy comfort food is your favorite, try lasagna soup, creamy tomato basil soup, or crispy smashed potatoes next.

This Holiday Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust — and it’s completely bacon-free. No bacon, no meat, just pure cheesy comfort. Perfect for Christmas dinner, potlucks, and cozy December nights.

⏱️ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⭐ Rating: 5/5

⭐ Why This No-Bacon Holiday Mac and Cheese Is the Best

  • ultra creamy + cheesy
  • golden crunchy topping
  • 100% bacon-free
  • perfect for holiday gatherings
  • make-ahead friendly
  • comforting & kid-friendly

🧀 Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 400g elbow macaroni

  • Salt for boiling

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 4 tbsp flour

  • 3 cups milk

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • ½ cup grated parmesan

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

  • Salt & pepper

For the Crispy Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • ¼ cup parmesan

👩‍🍳 How to Make Holiday Baked Mac and Cheese 

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Roux

Melt the butter in a pot, add flour, and whisk for 1–2 minutes.

3. Add Milk

Slowly whisk in the milk until it thickens.

4. Add Cheeses

Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine

Add macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix gently.

6. Add Topping

Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan. Sprinkle on top.

7. Bake

Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🎄 Bacon-Free Variations

Try these add-ins if you want more flavor without bacon:

  • sautéed garlic & onions

  • roasted cherry tomatoes

  • extra parmesan crust

  • fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, parsley

  • gruyère cheese for a deeper flavor

  • paprika or nutmeg (classic holiday spices) 



❄️ Storage

  • Fridge: 4 days

  • Freezer (before baking): 2 months

  • Reheat: add splash of milk

📌 FAQ (Bacon-Free Version)

Can I add meat?

Yes, but the base recipe is bacon-free. You can keep it vegetarian.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use GF pasta + GF flour.

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