Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? It’s a casserole that puts a smile on everyone’s face. But it doesn’t just have to be cheese, mixed with pasta and baked in a casserole dish. These five recipes put a unique twist on mac and cheese and take it to a whole new level.
“Indulge in your favorite comfort food, minus the guilt,” says Sylvia Borque of her Easy Macaroni and Cheese Bites Appetizer. “I’ve added toasted Panko, bacon, and parsley to give this dish a gourmet edge.”
Syliva’s bites are so good. The mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses makes them nice and cheesy. Dijon mustard adds a little tang and bacon gives a smoky flavor. The muffin tins are coated in Panko bread crumbs which let the mac and cheese come out of the tin easier and adds a little crunch. They’re a fun appetizer.
“I created this recipe for my husband because he was convinced he hated mac and cheese,” shares Ann Jones (Geneva, IL). “I knew his weaknesses though – cheese, shrimp, bacon, jalapenos. I put these together to make an amazing decadent, dinner party-worthy mac and cheese.”
Ann’s Decadent Shrimp and Bacon Mac and Cheese is an unusual and delicious combination of flavors. This recipe is proof that the right blends of cheese can make a dish decadent. Add bacon and shrimp to the mix and you have a meal where everyone wants seconds (or thirds).
Samantha Jacobs’ (Manchester, NH) French Onion Mac and Cheese is not the mac and cheese you grew up eating… it’s super rich and amazing. The creamy cheese sauce is a nice mixture of the mild Fontina with the zesty Asiago. Caramelized onions add a wonderful flavor and texture. Topping this with croutons and Gruyere makes this dinner out of this world good.
Jane Whittaker made a few changes to her usual recipe and came up with Fried Lobster Mac and Cheese. This combination of mac and cheese with lobster is a great idea. Then to fry it on top of that? Oh my – it’s divine!
White cheddar and the Gruyere pair well together. Thanks to the Panko, after it’s fried the outside is crunchy while the inside is hot and cheesy. With a touch of heat from cayenne pepper, this is one great tasting dish.
Decadent Brie Macaroni and Cheese En Croute … that’s not a dream, it’s an amazing recipe Brenda Washnock shared. “This mac & cheese is one guilty pleasure and ooh la la so French,” thinks Brenda.
They’re buttery, flaky pillows of warm gooey cheese goodness. The mac and cheese itself is rich and decadent. The buttery crust tastes almost sweet next to the savory mac and cheese. Great for a brunch or a light dinner with a salad. These are very filling.
If you’re a purist, Samantha Jacobs also has a recipe for Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese that members go crazy for! But, I hope you give one of these more unusual mac and cheese recipes a try. They’re all worthy of a spot in your Recipe Box. Happy Pinching!