They pass off Thanksgiving store-bought food as homemade.

As a certified gourmet, Thanksgiving is of course important to me. Turkey is a must, but I’m one of those people who puts side dishes on the plate. And I’m not alone — Jenny Ors thanksgiving survey It found that while 61% of Americans still consider turkey the star of their diet, more than 40% of people in states like Idaho and Kansas say turkey is an unsung hero.

I like to have all the sides, like salads, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and vegetables. a lot of preparation. And while I love side dishes, that doesn’t mean I love babysitting a pot on the stove or baking every dish in the oven at just the right time. That’s why I sometimes use store-bought shortcuts for my Thanksgiving spread.

Pretending that store-bought food is homemade

Last year, Ina Garten (the queen of “store-bought is okay”) revealed that she buys Bob Evans mashed potatoes and seasones them with sour cream, Parmesan, butter, salt and pepper. I used her method on Turkey Day and no one noticed a difference. In fact, I received compliments on how wonderful it was.

So this year, when Hormel, the brains behind Thanksgiving expert Jenny-O, shared a trick to make store-bought macaroni and cheese even tastier, I knew I was going to add it to my menu.

Last Thanksgiving, I made TikToker Tini’s viral macaroni and cheese, which required grating 2 pounds of cheese by hand. It was very delicious and definitely worth going if you have time. But Thanksgiving is about so much more than just macaroni and cheese (shocking, I know), so a quick and delicious shortcut sounds pretty appealing.

How to make store-bought warm macaroni and cheese taste like homemade

If you’re starting out with store-bought macaroni and cheese, Hormel has an easy trick to make it taste completely homemade. The brand suggests mixing five simple ingredients: nutmeg, butternut squash puree, super-sharp cheddar cheese, panko, and sage to create a richer, more flavorful side that feels straight from scratch.

This trick works best with refrigerated, heat-and-eat macaroni and cheese (like Hormel’s own version, which cooks in just 5 minutes), but it also applies to boxed and frozen varieties. But be sure to cook the macaroni and cheese first.

Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Pour two containers of store-bought macaroni and cheese into a large bowl.
2. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, 2 cups of butternut squash puree, and 1/2 cup extra-spicy cheddar cheese.
3. Heat in the microwave (this may take longer than stated on the original package) or bake in the oven set at 190°C for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
4. For the topping, mix 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon chopped sage. Sprinkle it on your macaroni and cheese before baking, or add it at the end if you’re heating it in the microwave to give it a crispy finish.

These easy additions enhance flavor and texture, transforming a simple side into a rich, creamy, homemade taste. By crossing one cooking item off your to-do list, you’ll have more time to watch parades, cheer on your favorite team, and actually enjoy the holidays. This is a blessing.