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.

18 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Might Just Rival Your Grandma's | Essence (8)

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 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 are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Fontina, and Gouda cheese are good options.

What is in Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 lb small elbow pasta.
  2. 4 cups whole milk.
  3. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  6. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  7. 2 cups bacon bits.
  8. ½ cup bread crumbs, toasted.
May 4, 2023

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

The 5 Biggest Mac & Cheese Mistakes
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. Because macaroni and cheese is English in origin, you might be tempted to make it with only cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. The flavor of the cheese is enhanced with spice. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

How to jazz up mac and cheese? ›

I add a dollop of sour cream, some additional shredded cheddar or white cheddar cheese, and bacon lightly crumbled on top. You can also bake your mac'n cheese like a casserole, add some breadcrumbs, lightly toast/bake till they are crispy and golden brown on top. So, so good!

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese is a simplified recipe. Just boil pasta in milk and then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper to it. Merge all the elements and Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese will be ready in no time.

Is Velveeta real cheese? ›

Since 2002, Velveeta has been labeled as a "pasteurized prepared cheese product." What does that even mean? Because of the ingredients and the way it is prepared, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider it real cheese.

What two cheeses go well together for mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

Why put eggs in mac and cheese? ›

Eggs aren't part of a classic Mac and cheese dish. If you add eggs, it will change the taste and add protein.

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.

Why is my mac and cheese so dry after baking? ›

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. Remember, the sauce will tighten up in the oven, so you really only need to thicken it slightly on the stovetop.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

What can I add to bland mac and cheese? ›

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. The next time you make it, try to find some more strongly flavor cheese, or adding more cheese.

What goes good with homemade mac and cheese? ›

What Goes Well with Mac and Cheese: The Best Proteins
  • The Meatloaf Recipe That'll Turn You Into a Meatloaf Lover. ...
  • Baked BBQ Ribs. ...
  • Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. ...
  • Light and Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken. ...
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Chipotle Chicken. ...
  • Sweet and Sour Meatballs. ...
  • Tossed Green Salad. ...
  • Kale Caesar Salad.
Jan 2, 2024

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