I am looking for a cheese-forward (rather than bechamel-like) Mac and cheese recipe for very picky thanksgiving guests. Suggested recipes?

Look up Pattie Labelle's Over the Rainbow macaroni and cheese. Its cheese forward to say the least.

Thanks, everyone! Much appreciated!

Not your everyday mac n cheese, but this IS for a special meal.
I looked at a couple recipes I've either made or from sources I trust and find that the richest ones have at least equal weight of cheese and pasta. So you could use adjust a recipe you already use to meet this ratio, or use one of these linked recipes.
Two more tips:
1) use cream instead of milk for some of all the milk in the original recipe.
2) stay with classic cheddar (strong/old variety) and a little bit of Parmesan for nuttiness.
Epicurious
https://food52.com/hotline/38402-i-am-looking-for-a-cheese-forward-rather-than-bechamel-like-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-very-picky-th
Ina Garten
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mac-and-cheese-recipe2-1945401
A ringer - Crack Mac (with white chocolate...sounds weird but has a flavor punch)
https://www.popsugar.com/food/White-Chocolate-Macaroni-Cheese-Recipe-35314807

Make a medium white sauce, my base is 4 tbl butter, 4 tbl flour, 2 cups of milk. I adjust that based on how much finished product I am making. Once the sauce thickens, give it some oomph with 1/2 tsp dry mustard, a dash of Worcestershire Sauce. Then add loads of grated extra sharp cheddar, 8 oz worth at least. Toss with your cooked macaroni, then bake.

Look for a recipe using evaporated milk in place of bechamel.