The 28 Gooiest, Creamiest, Over-The-Top Macaroni And Cheese Recipes
The 28 Gooiest, Creamiest, Over-the-Top Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Although the boxed variety is well-loved and eaten often, there is nothing quite like homemade.
This week we reached out to our Culinary Content network of food blogger asking them to share their best homemade macaroni and cheese recipes — the crazier the better — for a recipe roundup series we like to call SWAT (Sharing With A Theme).
Click through this collection to look at the 25 gooiest, creamiest, and over-the-top recipes we could get our hands on; we almost guarantee you'll be making some mac and cheese for yourself as soon as you can. And when you do, follow one these recipes; our bloggers won't steer you wrong.
Aged Gouda and Sriracha Mac and Cheese
Savory Experiments brings us this spicy version of mac and cheese, but the sriracha is added at the end in case "one of your diners isn't fond of spicy," she tells us. "Just leave it off for a still satisfying, cheese-a-rific meal."
(Almost) World Famous Mac 'N' Cheese
Loving father of six boys, Platter Talk tells us he "respectfully asked them to refer to it as [his] 'World Famous Mac 'N' Cheese.' And so they do." It's full of bacon, sharp cheese, cream, and a little dried mustard for flavor.
For the (Almost) World Famous Mac 'N' Cheese recipe, click here.
Apple and Sausage Mac and Cheese With Apple Cider
"Mac and cheese is a favorite in our family. In fact, it is in all probability the thing they agree on most in this world," writes Platter Talk.
For the Apple and Sausage Mac and Cheese With Apple Cider recipe, click here.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Poet in the Pantry asserts that one of the great things about mac and cheese is that "even if you alter the original, it's still mac and cheese; that warm and inviting reminder of home, love, and joy. You can't go wrong."
Beer Mac and Cheese
The cheesy cream base in this dish is made with hoppy beer, an egg, sour cream, and butter.
Bourbon Mac and Cheese
"Adding a little bourbon to this classic childhood favorite gives it a grown-up flavor and feel that can't be beaten," writes Food Hunter's Guide.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
This version is so good, Mission: Food makes it for her herself on her birthday. The best part, though, is the two-layer panko top: "The first is panko combined with garlic, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce, and then finally a layer of straight-up panko tossed simply in olive oil. Crunch and flavor all around."
For the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe, click here.
Campfire Macaroni and Cheese
Bacon, jalapeños, Cheddar cheese, and smoke; what more do you need to know?
Cheez-It Mac and Cheese
The salty, crunchy qualities of the crackers add a balance of texture and a depth to this creamy and mild mac and cheese.
Ginger Mac 'N' Cheese
This rustic and savory version of mac and cheese is given a warm but gentle kick from fresh ginger.
Gochujang Mac and Cheese
You may be unfamiliar of the popular Korean condiment gochujang, but it's time for you two to meet: This fermented red chile paste is savory, spicy, and very flavorful; using even a little completely transforms any plate of food.
Haitian Mac 'N' Cheese
Hungary Buddha uses adobo seasoning, evaporated milk, and Gouda and Parmesan cheeses in this Caribbean adaption of mac and cheese.
King Ranch Mac and Cheese
"This is serious comfort food, folks!" exclaims Wendy Weekend Gourmet.
For the King Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.
Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara
Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara
"Alla carbonara" is an Italian term for a pasta dish that has a sauce made out of cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and bits of cured ham. With this is mind, you can expect a very decadent and rich mac and cheese meal coming your way.
For Bobby Flay's Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara recipe, click here.
Mac and Cheese Chile Rellenos
A chile relleno is normally stuffed with cheese, so why not add some mac in there, too?
Mac and Cheese With Broccoli and Bacon
"So...noodles, broccoli, bacon and cheese. Let's talk about the cheese. I like Cheddar for half of the cheese and for the other half, I rotate between Muenster, Gruyere or Monterrey Jack," explains Souffle Bombay.
For the Mac and Cheese With Broccoli and Bacon recipe, click here.
Mac and Cheese With Butternut Squash
Using a butternut squash purée as a base creates a luscious, creamy sauce that's also healthy!
For the Mac and Cheese With Butternut Squash recipe, click here.
Mac and Cheese
Along with Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, the creamy base is also made with chicken stock and coconut milk.
Macaroni and Cheese With Parmesan Breadcrumbs
"It gets finished off with a buttery herb topping before getting baked to golden perfection. You're welcome," writes The Hungry Hutch.
For the Macaroni and Cheese With Parmesan Breadcrumbs recipe, click here.
Macaroni and Three Cheeses
Mission: Food stuffs this mac and cheese with eight ounces of sharp white Cheddar, Gouda, and havarti.
Pesto Mac and Cheese
Here, an herbaceous cheese sauce enrobes the noodles. Need we say more?
Ramen Mac 'N' Cheese
And the best part of Take A Bite Out of Boca's recipe? This was for a college-themed birthday party.
Ranch Mac and Cheese
This recipe uses ranch dressing and a handful of seasonings, like garlic and lemon-pepper, to add a bit of tang to it. Oh, and the best part? The sour cream mixed in right at the end creates the creamiest cheese sauce.
Roasted Poblano Béchamel With Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese
Primlani Kitchen uses a combination of goat cheese, mozzarella, and Brie to create a cheesy and gooey casserole. She adds some roasted poblanos and jalapeños, and then makes a walnut-panko crust to "seal the deal."
For the Roasted Poblano Béchamel With Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.
Smoked Gouda With Crab and Bacon Mac 'N' Cheese
"This is the Gisele Bündchen of mac 'n' cheese: rich, beautiful, and over the top exotic," jokes Platter Talk.
For the Smoked Gouda With Crab and Bacon Mac 'N' Cheese recipe, click here.
Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Zestuous writes, "There are no fancy ingredients like onions or bacon. There are no gourmet cheeses. It's just good ol' cheddar mac-n-cheese."
For the Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, click here.
Trois Chèvres Mac and Cheese
Paired with roasted cauliflower, this mac and cheese uses three types of goat cheeses, two French and one domestic. "This one isn't to be wasted," warns Accidental Locavore.
Truffle Lobster Macaroni 'N' Cheese
"It is filled with succulent chunks of lobster meat, packed with three decadent cheeses and drizzled with smooth, pungent truffle oil," No Spoon Necessary writes.
For the Truffle Lobster Macaroni 'N' Cheese recipe, click here.