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7 New Takes on Macaroni and Cheese

With bacon, chipotle, even beer, one of these recipes might become your new go-to mac & cheese.

Mac & Cheese Tips

"Sprinkle a layer of panko and parsley on the top of the pasta before baking for some added crunch and color." -- patchberrie

"Try using large shell pasta instead of macaroni, which hold more of the sauce in the pasta." -- Tara

"Use whole wheat elbow macaroni, to make it a bit healthier." -- RMS

Must-See Video

Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese Collection

1. "It has SO much flavor both my husband and I loved it!" -- AmberMichelle143

Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Potato Nugget Topping

2. "I made this for 25 firefighters at our Santa run. It was very good, everyone loved it."
-- Bubba paul

Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

3. "We were in need of serious comfort food tonight and I remembered this recipe. This is the ultimate mac and cheese!" -- abapplez

Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

If those three recipes aren't tempting you, take a look at these:

4. Creole Macaroni and Cheese

5. Mac and Cheese and Beer

6. Chipotle Mac and Cheese

7. Chili Macaroni Casserole

Comments

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Kathy

Apr. 26, 2012 8:06 pm

These sound good, but I could use a seafood mac and cheese like Red Lobster. Any suggestions?

cbink

Apr. 26, 2012 8:23 pm

We go to St. Elmo's once a year and they bake a mac and cheese with crab flakes on top---to die for. :) the recipe I use isn't listed here---I use the Fannie Farmer recipe (dated in the 1940's). It's ridiculous and would be awesome with crab.

debralconner

Apr. 26, 2012 11:12 pm

Yeah Kathy, Google! :D

charsbit

Apr. 27, 2012 4:27 am

I have been looking for a five cheese recipe called five cheese Mac attack. Does anyone have this?

Joan Carollo

Apr. 27, 2012 5:53 am

Joan C

Joan Carollo

Apr. 27, 2012 6:01 am

Sweetie Pie,s. Mac. & Cheese. Is the Best. Also the Mac & Cheese at Sacred Hearts Fish Fry (Florissant) is Great but I think its only during Lent???

flpeach22

Apr. 27, 2012 6:11 am

We have a restaurant here in Frisco, TX that serves a green chili mac & cheese that is to die for...wish I had the recipe from Bread Winners Cafe!!!!

Mema

Apr. 27, 2012 6:28 am

flpeach22, Caught your comments this morning and couldn't help but notice the similarity in our photos. My dogs rule! And the love mac and cheese too.

MANADEB

Apr. 27, 2012 6:36 am

CHECK OUT FOOD NETWORK BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE...ANY SEAFOOD CAN BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE LOBSTER OR EVEN A MIX!

RED

Apr. 27, 2012 6:47 am

The best mac and cheese recipe I ever made was with poblano salsa.I found the recipe in a mexican cook book years ago. Since then,after making it 2 or 3 times, I lost the recipe.Anyone ever make this?

Apr. 27, 2012 6:51 am

Kathy- a really great way to make a seafood mac and cheese is to use seafood stock (do the same as you would with chicken stock just use lobster/ crab shells instead of chicken carcass) then use that stock to create your bechamel sauce with it and cream whisk in a tablespoon of tomato paste then add your cheeses. I find that gruyere works well with seafood. after it has thickened add it to cooked pasta and your cooked seafood toss and bake for 20 minutes.

Patti

Apr. 27, 2012 8:53 am

@ charsbit- I have a 5 cheese recipe that is called "Over the Rainbow M&C" I think it is Patti LaBelle's recipe. I will try to get it posted asap!

Suzy Q!

Apr. 27, 2012 9:07 am

Does anyone have a recipe for mac & cheese that uses non-dairy, melt-able cheese. I'm trying to find something healthier by cutting out all the dairy and salt from cheeese. Thanks!

kat

Apr. 27, 2012 9:08 am

Food Network magazine has a recipe with lump crab meat, brie cheese, and cream--yum!

kat

Apr. 27, 2012 9:09 am

This was in response to the person who needs a seafood recipe--sorry:)

Grammie-Cooker

Apr. 27, 2012 9:19 am

I make a mac and cheese that starts with a white sauce, and then uses 8 oz of cream cheese and 8 oz of smoked cheddar. I don't have a formal recipe - just aim to start with 2 c of thin white sauce - using about 2 T butter, 1 and 1/2 T flour, and 2 c milk, plus salt and pepper to taste. After that's thickened, I melt in the other 2 cheeses. That works with about 12 oz of pasta. It's delish!

Farm Girl

Apr. 27, 2012 9:27 am

Does anyone have a mac & cheese recipe similar to Carr's restaurant with asiagio cheese in Lancaster, PA? They also sell it at the City Market.

Jeanne

Apr. 27, 2012 9:52 am

Farm Girl-Go to "Teri's Kitchen" Website - Teri is from that area and posts many great recipes, among others, from the Lancaster, PA area. You can also ask others in the area for recipes. Someone there may have recipe for which you are searching. Good luck!

Jeanne

Apr. 27, 2012 9:54 am

To Farm Girl-Incidentally, if you are ever in the Lancaster, PA area, by all means, visit City Market!! A real treat!!

erin

Apr. 27, 2012 10:07 am

Thank you, cbink! I just looked up the fannie farmer recipe and it looks perfect! I am going to make a lobster mac and cheese with it :)

valerie

Apr. 27, 2012 10:10 am

Please don't post about how fattening and bad for you it is! I know!, but it is sooo good!

charsbit

Apr. 27, 2012 10:22 am

Thanks Valerie

patriciamn

Apr. 27, 2012 11:26 am

I actually take any cheese sauce recipe and any noodle the kids like to make mac n cheese. Then I add Tuna and peas. They love it! Have used elbow, bow tie, multi color. No time to bake it just cook sauce, and same time the noodles and mix all together and stir until all warmed. Never have leftovers!

patriciamn

Apr. 27, 2012 11:34 am

Llobster mac sounds yummy too now I want to try!

Edible-Art

Apr. 27, 2012 12:02 pm

Macaroni and cheese rules!There ain't a man alive that doesn't love it, I can always fix this and make the world go away, and make every thing right. Matter of fact, I'm going to make it with onion and bacon for my man today. I think with asparagus on the side.

Shari

Apr. 27, 2012 3:02 pm

TD--A seafood stock is actually more accurately called a fumet. NEVER simmer a fish/seafood fumet for more than 20-30 minutes. You get a delicate fish aroma. Any longer and your whole house will reek of rotten fish!

Farm Girl

Apr. 27, 2012 4:37 pm

Thanks, Jeanne. I'll check out the web site. I've been to the City Market in Lacaster and it truly is a real treat! I think I also had raspberry croissants from a Lancaster bakery that also sells at the City Market. Mmmmmmm.

Marie Nelson

Apr. 27, 2012 7:09 pm

you need to use white extra sharp chedder cheese and evaporated milk in order to even start to making mac and cheese the old fashioned way, it's the only way and bake until golden brown

Lemblegirl1

Apr. 28, 2012 7:12 am

I had a recipe that had cottage cheese. It was on the dry side, had onions & more adult, just the way I love it but stashed it in book and haven't come accross it yet. anyone have something similar?

ILENEFAITH1

Apr. 28, 2012 7:44 am

Loved finding ya'all commenting about mac n' cheese my favorite too...but then also what about a really good pizza. They run a real close first and second. For me, I don't know what the order would be...what's your opinion?

meric93

Apr. 28, 2012 11:28 am

Has anyone tried a macn'cheese pizza? Have a good recipe? Thanks!

smorehead

Apr. 28, 2012 12:16 pm

Suzy Q I have had no luck finding a good milk free cheese. My house is 100% milk free and cheese is the one thing we do without because I can't find a good alternative.

calhoun211

Apr. 28, 2012 5:53 pm

Do you people mean to say that Kraft Mac&cheese isn't the best around?

Peaches

Apr. 28, 2012 9:15 pm

These all seem way too complicated for a mac and cheese cassarole. I guess I associate mac and cheese cassaroles for when I was on a really tight budget. I would just get a couple boxes cheap mac and cheese a couple packs of hot dogs, splurge on a 2lb box of v-cheese spread. Cook the mac and cheese per box directions, boiling the hot dogs in the mac water. chop the hot dogs and about 1/2 lb v-cheese spread, mix all together in a cassarole, top with slices of the v-cheese spread and through in the oven at about 350 and cook until hot and bobbly, just beginning to brown. Very simple and CHEAP! Kids love it, I still make it every now and then for the grandkids. Cassaroles to me, mean easy, throw together and bake recipes even for tuna cassaroles without being too fancy.

Melanie

Apr. 29, 2012 5:23 am

I love mac & cheese, but adding lobster, shrimp and crab, seems like a waste. If I'm spending money for fish I want to enjoy it in it's natrual state. You can do almost anything to mac & cheese as long as you you have a great base sauce. As far as the lady who wants mac&chese without dairy or salt, good luck!!

Brette

Apr. 30, 2012 3:40 pm

After seeing these recipes with these over-the-top additions, I just lost my appetite for macaroni and cheese.

topshelf

May 1, 2012 6:32 am

Mac & Cheese is a traditionally an American food dish. Cheese milk and noodels.When properly cooked with the amount of milk and wicked sharp chedar cheese it is all you need. That alone is a meal. According to your own taste. Yes I am from N.E.

elainemertz

May 1, 2012 12:20 pm

Wegman's has rice cheese for those who are lactose intolerant. Haven't tried it in Mac & cheese but it was okay on pizza. At least, cut some of the cheese down w/ it but add some sharp cheese for better flavor.

kimmy

May 2, 2012 7:38 am

Over-the-Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese Recipe created by Patti LaBelle . | Print 31 Comments . Recipe created by Patti LaBellePatti LaBelle says that the sure sign of a good cook is if their macaroni and cheese will make you cry! According to Oprah, Patti's version just might bring tears to your eyes. . Servings: Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound elbow macaroni 8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Muenster cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mild Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack 2 cups half-and-half 1 cup (8 ounces) Velveeta , cut into small cubes 2 large eggs , lightly beaten 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart casserole. Bring the large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elb

Pat Robertson

Jun. 10, 2012 8:19 pm

Would love to see the complete recipe.

Mare

Apr. 5, 2013 8:01 am

To add a zip to your mac & cheese,add a tsp. of dry Keene mustard.

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