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.

Does vegan mac and cheese taste the same? ›

Vegan mac and cheese is essentially the same thing as regular mac and cheese, so… pasta with a cheese sauce, duh. BUT it isn't made with cheese. That being said, it still tastes like macaroni and cheese AKA the ultimate comfort food.

Is Kraft mac and cheese vegan? ›

Plant Based Kraft Mac and Cheese is a vegan alternative to Kraft's classic blue box mac and cheese. Read on to learn some of the pros and cons for these dairy-free boxed mac and cheese flavors in this Plant Based Kraft Mac and Cheese review. Cheese seems to be the theme of the 2024 product reviews.

How to fancy up mac and cheese? ›

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 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.

Will vegan cheese ever taste like real cheese? ›

It's important to understand that vegan cheese, being made with different ingredients, typically does not taste exactly like traditional dairy cheese. However, it does replicate some of the flavors and textures that you might remember from dairy cheese and tastes great in its own right.

What are the ingredients 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.

Does vegan cheese taste better melted? ›

There is also the affects that heating up the plant based cheeses will have on them as they are in the process of melting and their finished product. Some may bubble, others may struggle to melt and turn more in to a liquid state but the overall taste may be amazing.

Is Annie's vegan mac and cheese vegan? ›

Not only does our vegan macaroni and cheese cater to vegans and dairy-free diets, but it is also free from artificial flavours, synthetic colours, and preservatives.

Is Chick Fil A mac and cheese vegan? ›

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer: Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese contains dairy ingredients and is not considered vegetarian or vegan.

What macaroni is vegan? ›

The general everyday dry pasta in shapes like spaghetti, linguini, fettuccini, fusilli, penne, orzo, jumbo shells, manicotti, lasagna noodles, and elbow macaroni are usually vegan. The fresh pasta sold in the refrigerated section usually contains eggs and is therefore not vegan.

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 is the best flavor to add to mac and cheese? ›

Garlic – For sharp depth of flavor. Dijon mustard – Many classic mac and cheese recipes call for mustard powder, but because I always have Dijon mustard on hand, I add it instead. It gives the sauce delicious tang. Smoked paprika – For a subtle smoky taste.

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 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 Mcdonald's vegan cheese made of? ›

What is the vegan alternative to cheese made from? The main ingredients are coconut oil and pea protein.

Is vegan cheese healthy? ›

Is vegan cheese healthy? In terms of health, vegan cheese is generally considered better for you than dairy cheese as it's lower in saturated fat and often has added vitamin B12, which contributes to a healthy nervous system.

What is mac and cheese made of? ›

Macaroni and cheese can be made by simply layering slices of cheese and pasta (often with butter or evaporated milk) then baking in a casserole, rather than preparing as a cheese sauce.

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