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.

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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.

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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.

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

FAQs

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What is the trick to keeping mac and cheese creamy? ›

This can be done many different ways. Some of the most common is using Evaporated Milk, the Pasta Water, make a Mornay Sauce, or use American Cheese. Evaporated Milk relies on the high concentration of micelles (milk proteins) to keep the sauce smooth.

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

What was the original mac and cheese? ›

The first modern recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book, The Experienced English Housekeeper. Raffald's recipe is for a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese—a Mornay sauce in French cooking—which is mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best 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? ›

The 5 Biggest Mac & Cheese Mistakes
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese.
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt.
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. There's a reason why elbow macaroni is the classic shape for macaroni and cheese. ...
  4. Overcooking. No one wants grainy cheese sauce and mushy pasta. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

Is evaporated milk better than milk in mac and cheese? ›

Similar recipes call for cooking pasta in milk, which can scorch. Cooking in water and adding evaporated milk toward the end fixes this problem. Evaporated milk contains protein micelles, which help keep an emulsified sauce smooth and creamy.

What does mustard powder do to mac and cheese? ›

Make sure it's room temperature or warm but NOT cold. 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.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

1. It takes two cheeses to tango with mac. For really great macaroni and cheese, you need a cheese that melts well and a cheese that packs a punch. A few cheeses do both (that's a shout out to you, cheddar, emmentaler, and your other alpine-style, fondue favorites).

Why add sour cream to mac and cheese? ›

Whether making it from scratch or the box, sour cream is the secret ingredient to rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. This tart and tangy additive goes a long way regarding recipes, and just a dollop can transform any dish into a thick and creamy masterpiece.

What is a fancy name for mac and cheese? ›

Macaroni au gratin is, of course, a fancy name for mac and cheese. In this case though, it really is so much more than your run-of-the-mill mac.

What does the S Mac stand for? ›

S'MAC (short for Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese) is an exciting eatery located in the heart of Manhattan's East Village.

What is the most perfect cheese to use on Mac & 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.

What cheese has the most flavor for mac and cheese? ›

7 Best Cheeses for Macaroni and Cheese
  • Cheddar. Cheddar is a staple for countless recipes. ...
  • Parmesan. Parmesan is a salty cheese with complex flavors. ...
  • Gruyere. Update your mac and cheese recipes to something more mature with Gruyere. ...
  • Brie. ...
  • Smoked Gouda. ...
  • Monterey Jack. ...
  • Fontina. ...
  • Sausage Mac and Cheese.

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

To make 5 cheese macaroni and cheese, you need extra sharp cheddar, American or Velveeta cheese, smoked gouda, smoked gruyere, and colby jack. The smoked gouda and gruyere are favorites of ours, but you can totally use plain versions of each.

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