18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (2024)

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It’s the side dish no Sunday dinner should be without. To take this staple dish to the next level, keep one of these mouth-watering recipes close by.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (1)

By Lauren Porter·Updated October 27, 2020

01

Aunt Chelle’s Three Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

This delicious and delectable recipe is courtesy of Rev Run’s sister-in-law Michelle Jones, who as seen on the Cooking Channel’s Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers can throw down in the kitchen. Her family favorite specialty calls for three different types of cheeses that make it creamy and extra yummy.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (2)

02

Over the Rainbow Mac and Cheese

Come on now, Ms. Patti! Not only is Patti LaBelle an award-winning singer, but her recipe for Macaroni and Cheese is worthy of all the prizes. With eight cheese, yes EIGHT, the flavors melt together for something so good you’ll always want more.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (3)

03

5 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Chef G Garvin kills it in the kitchen and his take on the southern comfort food staple is of no exception. With five cheeses, different flavors and an amazing preparation time, cooking up this classic dish using this recipemakes bringing Mac and Cheese to the dinner table easy.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (4)

04

Bacon Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with two things: Bacon and cheese. This Pat and Gina Neely recipe combines two flavors for a smoky and savory side dish that is the best of both worlds.

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05

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Where there is a will, there’s a way and for Lobster Mac and Cheese, we will always stay! This recipe is to. die. for. It’s creamy texture and buttery taste are everything and more.

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06

Mac and Cheese and Greens

Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Mac and Greens is a dish we want to try right now. The famous chef gives us the combination of two southern staples and we couldn’t be happier. The recipe is found in his cookbook, Marcus Off Duty, and it’s a perfect 2-for-1 dish to serve at dinner.

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07

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Should you need an option that poses no threat to a gluten allergy, this is it. Using a crisp-puffed-rice cereal, the classic staple doesn’t lose its lovable qualities from it and will still leave you ready to dig in.

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08

Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with a creamy mac and cheese especially when it has some kick! The Kitchenista adds some extra flavor to this classic recipe and it will seriously make your mouth water.

09

Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

These little bites are now the perfect go-to appetizer. Whether it’s on a game day or at a party, this recipe will be a favorite among guests. An added bonus is that can be prepped and rewarmed just in time to serve up as an amazing bite-sized treat.

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10

Chili Mac and Cheese

You can’t go wrong with something hearty and comforting—so chili mac and cheese is the perfect option come winter time. This one pot recipe makes cooking up this delicious dinner option easy and painless.

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11

Macaroni and Cheese with Butternut Squash

Combine fall seasonal favorite butternut squash with the mac and cheese and voila you have a new magical recipe to rely on! The flavors mix together wonderfully for a rich dish.

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12

Creamy Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese

A little bit of chicken, some hot sauce and a whole lot of cheese never hurt nobody! This creamy buffalo bacon chicken macaroni and cheese is a sure way to amplify the traditional staple with flavors to die for.

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13

No-Grain Creamy “Mac” and Cheese

If you’re in need of a gluten and soy free option, stop looking because we’ve found it for you. With the option of parsnips or leeks, A Soulful Twist gives you the choice of making this recipe with healthy ingredients in mind.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (14)

14

The Smith’s Mac & Cheese

New York restaurant The Smith serves up an amazing Mac and Cheese and because of executive chef and co-owner Glenn Harris, you can recreate the show-stopping side dish in the comforts of your own kitchen! This recipe calls for a mix and melt of multiple cheeses might actually be heaven on a fork.

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15

Spicy Mac and Cheese

This recipe adds a little bit of spice and it is oh-so-nice. The extra kick of flavor in Sunny Anderson’s spice dish makes this side dish more and more delectable with every bite.

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16

Fried Mac and Cheese

It’s deep fried and it’s delicious. You can’t go wrong. This recipe is a little time consuming but it won’t be regrettable. And the best part is you can pop them in the freezer and save them for later!

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17

Spicy Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

Veggies and Cheese? Sign us up! This recipe is creamy and dreamy with colors and flavors so vibrant both our eyes and our taste buds will be left satisfied. An added bonus? It’s butter-free!

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18

Breakfast Mac and Cheese

Who said the morning wasn’t the right time for Mac and Cheese? No one, that’s who! This recipe calls for the addition of sausage and tops it off with hash browns. If there was ever the need to combine breakfast and dinner, this is a go-to how-to.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (19)
18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's
 | Essence (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

How to make Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What are the best 5 cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Fontina, and Gouda cheese are good options. Grate your own cheese. The preservatives in the pre-grated stuff can make it tougher to melt.

How do you perk up mac and cheese? ›

7 Simple Ways to Upgrade Boxed Mac and Cheese to Gourmet
  1. Boil it better. ...
  2. Amp up the cheese. ...
  3. Undercook the noodles. ...
  4. Dress up the dairy. ...
  5. Sprinkle in some spices or sauces. ...
  6. Stir in some veggies. ...
  7. Make it a mash-up meal.
Jun 22, 2021

Why put mustard in mac and cheese? ›

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

What's in Bob Evans mac and cheese? ›

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of ...

What cheese to avoid for mac and cheese? ›

Those preservatives keep the pieces from melting evenly, and you'll end up with gritty, lumpy mac & cheese. Dry, crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija are not ideal. With their high moisture levels, they don't melt properly and will leave you with clumps of cheese instead of a smooth sauce.

How to keep mac and cheese creamy? ›

You want equal amounts of butter and flour by weight. This is key. Throw in too much flour, and sure the sauce might get thick, but it also might taste floury and be lumpy. Even if you get the roux right, use too much or reduce your sauce down too far, and the macaroni and cheese will turn out dry.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

If your mac and cheese tastes bland, it's either because it's under-seasoned, you didn't use flavorful cheese, or you didn't use enough cheese. Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

What to mix in with mac and cheese? ›

Broccoli works particularly well in baked mac and cheese: Simply cut your broccoli into small florets and mix it through your mac and cheese, ensuring that there's enough pasta covering the broccoli before putting it to bake. This is a great dinner option when you're short on time and don't want to make much effort.

What is the best melting cheese for mac and cheese? ›

Gruyere is a classic addition because it melts much like Cheddar, but has a lovely nutty flavor. Other classics include Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, fontina, Havarti and Monterey Jack. Brie works well too, just make sure you remove the rind before mixing it in.

How to make mac and cheese taste less bland? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce.

What goes well with homemade mac and cheese? ›

  • 1 / 25. Roasted Broccoli. Perfectly seasoned broccoli florets roasted until crisp and caramelized. ...
  • 2 / 25. Garlic Green Beans. ...
  • 3 / 25. Glazed Carrots. ...
  • 4 / 25. Easy Sautéed Spinach. ...
  • 5 / 25. Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini. ...
  • 6 / 25. 5-Ingredient Kale Caesar Salad. ...
  • 7 / 25. Shaved Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 8 / 25. Spanakopita Kale Salad.

What meat can you add to mac and cheese? ›

1/2 to 1 cup cooked crumbled sausages, from pork to turkey to chicken (or try a vegetarian “sausage”). 1/4 to 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon, speck, or pancetta (watch the addition of salt if you add one of these salty cured or smoked meats).

Is milk or water better for mac and cheese? ›

Cooking macaroni in a small volume of water concentrates the starch from the pasta, helping the cheese form a creamy emulsion. Similar recipes call for cooking pasta in milk, which can scorch.

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