Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food–whether you grew up on the boxed version or the breadcrumb-topped casserole, you honestly can’t go wrong with this cheesy, creamy classic. And now that fall is finally here, we’re all about hearty, cozy dinners like these crazy takes on macaroni. Whether you want some inspiration for upgrading microwaveable mac and cheese or want to go all-out and make a homemade masterpiece, here are six of the craziest, cheesiest recipes ever.
Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Your favorite party dip is now a super creamy mac and cheese–featuring THREE kinds of cheese, plus cream cheese for added creaminess. Bring this anywhere you go and you’ll be the most popular person in the room.
Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Broccoli
This is definitely the most delicious way to eat your veggies. All that broccoli definitely cancels out all that tangy white cheddar cheese, right? Plus those caramelized onions add a little bite of sweetness to balance out the secret ingredient: hot sauce.
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing I would change about this picture…except maybe serve it in a bread bowl. Panera’s incredible mac and cheese is famous for it’s thick, creamy cheese sauce, and you can replicate at home with just a few ingredients: sharp cheddar, butter, and cream are the keys to ultimate cheesiness.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Another insane mashup you didn’t know you needed, but will no longer be able to live without. Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper bring the heat, and lots of tangy blue cheese on the top brings creamy coolness. A few bites of this is basically an entire meal, so be prepared to enter a food coma.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese
I mean, just look at that cheese. Adding garlic and Parmesan is the easiest way to take your macaroni and cheese from nine-year-old to 19-year-old, and this dish gets it’s insane cheesiness from a mix of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Crispy breadcrumbs on the top are the icing on the…mac?
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
Two of your favorite drunk foods met each other, and this is their baby. The whole thing is baked in one skillet, so there’s literally no clean up, and you can add as many jalapenos as you want to control the spiciness. Cream cheese brings the creaminess, and Monterey jack brings peppery cheesiness.