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?

11 Mac and Cheese Recipes from Vegan to Tex-Mex (1)Share on Pinterest

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? ›

How to Make Vegan Mac and Cheese. First, make the vegan cheese sauce. Simmer sweet potatoes and potatoes until tender. Then, drain them, and add them to a blender with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, water, and olive oil.

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.

What is a good substitute for cheese in mac and cheese? ›

Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient that gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Cashew cream is another great alternative that can be used as a base for a creamy sauce.

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.

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 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

What is a fancy way to say mac and cheese? ›

macaroni au gratin -- a fancy way of saying mac and cheese! Recipes, Mac and cheese, Cooking recipes.

What tastes like cheese vegan? ›

And there are also a number of ingredients that can be made to taste like cheese, too.
  • 5 dairy-free cheesy swaps. Reach for these five vegan ingredients the next time you want to cheese up your favorite foods. ...
  • 1 Nutritional yeast. ...
  • 2 Hummus. ...
  • 3 Tofu. ...
  • 4 Cashews. ...
  • 5 Potatoes.
Feb 29, 2024

How do they make vegan cheese taste like cheese? ›

Nuts, such as cashews or almonds, are often used as they contain a lot of natural fat that gives a creamy texture once blended. Many brands also use a vegan lactic acid to add the tang and umami that gives that quintessential cheese flavour.

Will vegan cheese ever taste like real cheese? ›

Keep in mind that all brands are different, so if you try one brand you don't like, don't give up on the rest. Vegan cheesemakers are coming up with new processes all the time that are making these cheeses taste even more like the traditional stuff.

What is vegan cheese made out of? ›

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 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 butter made out 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.

Are vegan and dairy free the same? ›

A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, meat, and fish, whereas a dairy-free diet bans all milk products but not necessarily any other animal products. While all vegan foods are inherently dairy-free, not all dairy-free foods are vegan.

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