11 Mac and Cheese Recipes from Vegan to Tex-Mex (2024)

We’re not here to knock Kraft (or Annie’s for the fancy folks out there), but if you have a hankering for macaroni and cheese, why not think outside the box?

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It may not be as simple as just adding water, but going the made-from-scratch route is definitely worth the extra effort.

Take the dynamic duo of pasta and queso to delicious new heights with our favorite riffs on the legendary weeknight fave.

11 mac and cheese recipes that think outside the box

  1. Classic macaroni and cheese
  2. Tex-Mex macaroni and cheese
  3. Vegan macaroni and cheese
  4. Prosciutto-wrapped macaroni and cheese cups
  5. Macaroni and cheese soufflé
  6. Chicken Parmesan mac and cheese bites
  7. Spicy kimchi mac and cheese
  8. Pimento macaroni and cheese
  9. Beefy macaroni casserole
  10. Lobster mac and cheese
  11. Smoked macaroni and cheese

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1. Classic macaroni and cheese

The key here is a creamy bechamel. (It sounds gourmet, but it’s just a combination of milk, butter, flour, and salt.) Combined with elbow macaroni and a one-two punch of cheddar (preferably aged a couple of years) and pecorino, plus a sprinkle of crunchy panko for good measure, it’s the pinnacle of cheesy, noodle-y excellence.

Get our classic macaroni and cheese recipe.

2. Tex-Mex macaroni and cheese

This midnight munchie hybrid successfully straddles the border between nachos and mac and cheese. Pasta, tortilla chips, chorizo, jalapeños, Monterey jack, and cheddar are all invited to the ultimate comfort food fiesta.

Get our Tex-Mex macaroni and cheese recipe.

Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t get in on cheesy comfort food — or, at least, cheese-esque comfort food. A blend of macadamia nuts, nutritional yeast, and a cooked carrot serve as a suitable cheese substitute in this animal-free offering.

Get the vegan macaroni and cheese recipe.

4. Prosciutto-wrapped macaroni and cheese cups

Your eyes don’t deceive you. That is, in fact, a hot, cheesy bite of pasta nestled in a bowl of crispy, cured pork. Break out that muffin pan and get baking!

Get our prosciutto-wrapped macaroni and cheese cups recipe.

5. Macaroni and cheese soufflé

No one likes a show-off… unless you’re flaunting this mega-delicious mac and cheese soufflé. Serving noodles and cheese soufflé-style turns run-of-the-mill grub into something extra refined. Think of it as the food equivalent of when Will Ferrell takes on a serious role.

Get our macaroni and cheese soufflé recipe.

6. Chicken Parmesan mac and cheese bites

Do you feel like chicken (Parm) tonight? But are the kids (or your own inner child) angling for some cheesy mac? Find tasty middle ground with these best-of-both-worlds bites.

Get our chicken Parmesan mac and cheese bites recipe.

7. Spicy kimchi mac and cheese

This recipe takes inspiration from kimchi jjigae (a spicy and tangy Korean stew) for a brilliant fusion of flavors. Of course, there’s pasta (preferably farfalle) and a creamy cheese sauce, but the secret weapon here is a spicy paste made with chopped anchovy fillets, bacon, kimchi, gochugaru, and gochujang.

Get our spicy kimchi mac and cheese recipe.

What are pimentos, anyway? They’re a mild red pepper sometimes called cherry peppers for their sweetness and small size. Believe it or not, the little red guys aren’t just for stuffing olives. They also make a piquant upgrade for mac and cheese.

Get the pimento macaroni and cheese recipe.

9. Beefy macaroni casserole

If your childhood was marred by mediocre Hamburger Helper and that creepy talking glove, this beefy casserole will help make things right. It’s a from-scratch treat that outdoes a boxed mix any day.

Get our beefy macaroni casserole recipe.

Elevate your mac and cheese by pairing it with sweet, succulent lobster meat. Take a bite, close your eyes, and you may hear seagulls and the rolling tide off in the distance.

Get the lobster mac and cheese recipe.

That smoker you thought you could only use for turkey or brisket? It’s a miracle worker for mac and cheese, too. This version gets extra flavor depth from smoked Gouda cheese and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Holy smokes!

Get the smoked macaroni and cheese recipe.

Related Video: Stop making these mac and cheese mistakes

There’s no shame in enjoying a store-bought box of mac and cheese (complete with marvel-of-food-science powdered cheese). But the right recipes turn this classic comfort food into something far more elegant — and, dare we say, more delicious.

11 Mac and Cheese Recipes from Vegan to Tex-Mex (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan mac and cheese made of? ›

The super creamy sauce still contains a small amount of cashews, but its base is blended yellow potato and sweet potato. The yellow potato gives it a delightful gooey texture, and the sweet potato makes it vibrant orange. Apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion powder, and nutritional yeast perfect its cheesy taste.

What is the best cheese for macaroni 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.

Do you have to put milk in mac and cheese? ›

To make mac and cheese without milk, the best choice is to find something that has a similar texture and a milk flavor. Things like heavy cream, almond milk, oat milk, yogurt, cream cheese, and even pasta water all work very well in boxed mac and cheese.

Can you make Ina Garten mac and cheese ahead? ›

Chef notes. This is the easiest, cheesiest, crustiest mac and cheese I've ever made! It's the perfect prep-ahead dish; you don't even need to make a roux. Prepare the mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, pour it into an ovenproof dish and bake it before dinner.

What is a vegan substitute for milk in mac and cheese? ›

Almond milk is a popular plant-based milk that's a great substitute for regular cow's milk. It has a nutty flavor, which can add a subtle richness to your mac and cheese. As it's used as a common milk substitute, you can simply put the same amount of almond milk as you'd put regular milk.

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 are the best 2 cheese 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.

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 happens if you use water instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

While some folks use mayonnaise as a substitute for the milk and butter boxed mac and cheese calls for, the condiment also works as a supplement in addition to the traditional recipe. When mixed into macaroni and cheese, mayonnaise creates a rich and velvety texture that complements its rich flavor.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

While I was cooking the pasta, I noticed a tip listed on the very bottom of the box: If you want a creamier mac and cheese, try replacing the butter and milk with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt.

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

How do you keep homemade 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 ingredient is in vegan cheese? ›

What Ingredients Are in Vegan Cheese? Vegan cheeses are 100% animal-free and made using vegetable proteins. Usually, they're made from soy; nuts, such as cashews and macadamias; and vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. You can also find cheeses that derive from agar, tapioca, peas and arrowroot.

What is vegan cheese made from? ›

Vegan cheese is usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and various other natural ingredients like peas or arrowroot. Vegan cheese is seen as a healthier alternative to cheese by some, and may reduce your risk of heart disease due to its lower content of fat.

What makes vegan cheese cheese? ›

The ingredients used in vegan cheese vary depending on the type of cheese being made and the desired texture and flavor. The most commonly used ingredients include plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, agar agar, tapioca starch, coconut oil, cashews, and chickpea flour.

What is vegan butter made of? ›

Vegan butter is a non-dairy butter substitute made from plant-based ingredients. It is typically made from a blend of vegetable oils such as coconut, palm, or soybean and other natural ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and even algae. This makes it a great alternative for those who: Follow a vegan diet.

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