Best Cheesy Baked Macs to Make a Part of Your Weekend Plans
Con Poulos
Staying in this weekend? There’s no better way to pass the time than dipping your fork into a bubbling scoop of baked mac and cheese. We’ve got just the recipes to keep your oven occupied, from ham and Fontina-laced mac to a smoky bacon rendition loaded with pepper Jack. These six takes on the classic comfort dish are sure to hit the spot.
This recipe from Food Network Magazine aims to please any and all palates. The key to getting a perfectly balanced bite in every forkful is the layering: macaroni, chicken, macaroni, cheese sauce. Top with the panko-blue cheese-parsley mixture and bake until bubbly.
Loaded with sweet diced ham, Giada De Laurentiis’ Venetian-style mac and cheese is a fan favorite with 5 stars and over 700 reviews. It’s no surprise, when you consider that the recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare — and it doesn’t skimp on cheese, either. Fontina and mozzarella cheeses add creaminess, while Parmesan adds a salty bite.
Ina Garten enhances mac and cheese by using Gruyere in addition to cheddar, the classic star. When selecting a cheddar, go for the extra-sharp variety — Gruyere’s bold, earthy flavor complements the creamy bite.
Feeling nostalgic for her mom’s mac and cheese, Sunny Anderson came up with this smooth, spicy version to hold her over between visits home. Buttery croutons top it off for a comforting crunch.
This grown-up version of macaroni and cheese mixes in smoky bacon, spicy pepper Jack cheese, roasted shallots and garlic. Don’t forget to sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs! They make an irresistible crunchy topping.
This recipe uses tomato paste, heavy cream and sweet chunks of lobster tail for an extra-thick, extra-decadent macaroni and cheese that’s worthy of a special occasion.
Ready for a second helping? Check out more of our most-comforting mac and cheese recipes.