Mac and Cheese, Please
Satisfy your cravings for this all-American favorite

Everyone goes mad for this classic comfort food. Douse it in extra sharp cheddar, American or a Pecorino-Gruyere mix or serve it gooey, crusty or even deep-fried. Mac and cheese is versatile and always delicious.

Need ammo for your next mac attack? These 25 recipes — from basic and beyond — will impress the pickiest kid or most discerning gourmand.

Just the basics: Baked Macaroni and Cheese Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese Smoked Gouda Cheese Macaroni Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese Em's Mac n' Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese

With extras: Southwestern-Style Macaroni and Cheese Kid Pleasin' Fried Chicken and Quince Jelly over Macaroni and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes Kicked Up Sausage Macaroni and Cheese Wayne's Beef Macaroni and Cheese Spicy Baked Macaroni Mac & Cheese The Ultimate Lady's Cheesy Mac and Cheese Mac and Cheese Carbonara Macaroni and Cheese My Way Pepperoni, Macaroni and Cheese "Lasagna Style" Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese

Above and beyond: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole

Five Tips for Mastering Mac and Cheese:

• For baked mac and cheese, cook pasta just shy of al dente; it'll continue to cook in the oven.
  
• When making a béchamel sauce for the macaroni, add the milk slowly, whisking constantly, for the perfect consistency.
  
• Before topping your dish, toast your breadcrumbs in butter (and garlic, if you like) for extra flavor and crunch.
  
• Use a mixture of cheeses for maximum flavor and meltability.
  
• When you butter your baking dish, add a layer of breadcrumbs to the pan for an extra non-stick coating.