Try a new spin on the classic dish everyone always loves for dinner. We’ve got unexpected add-ins, fun ways to serve it and top-rated rated recipes.

Make It a Meal

Adding protein to mac and cheese transforms the dish from a side to a full-on entree.

Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

Ham, Gruyere cheese and real breadcrumbs give this dish (pictured above) new levels of flavor and texture.

Beefy Mac and Cheese

You could be digging into this decadent casserole 35 minutes from now. Just saying.

Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Crispy, salty Canadian bacon is balanced by fresh broccoli to create a satisfying meal.

Trisha Yearwood’s Chili Mac and Cheese

This is a mash-up straight out of comfort food heaven.

Bring On the Veggies

Here are delicious ideas for adding a little extra nutrition and a ton of flavor.

Rachel Ray’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash has a creamy texture, which means that it will work perfectly in a gooey cheese sauce.

Very Green Broccoli & Spinach Mac & Cheese

The addition of pureed spinach and chopped broccoli not only adds nutrition, but it also makes this casserole ideal for St. Patrick's Day feasting.

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

Picture the spinach and artichoke dip everyone loves. Now add it to macaroni and cheese.

Ina Garten’s Classic Mac and Cheese

By simply adding a few thick slices of tomato on top (along with a couple more tricks, because Barefoot Contessa), this classic reaches a new level.

Mini Mac & Cheese Cups (with Carrots Built In)

This is the birthday party food of your kids’ dreams. It's cute and filling, and it happens to be pretty good for you too.

Vegan Mac 'n Cheese

Thanks to a little cauliflower magic, this vegan version stays as rich and creamy as the original.

Go Big with Flavor

When you’re ready to take things to the next level, these mac and cheeses are the way to go.

Giada De Laurentiis’ Macaroni and Cheese

With a 5-star rating and more than 700 fan reviews, this Italian mac and cheese, bubbling with Fontina, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, is hard to resist.

Crispy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A blanket of buttery breadcrumbs means this dish is crunchy on top but gooey inside.

Ina's Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

With bacon and three kinds of cheese, this decadent dish bears almost no resemblance to that stuff we grew up on. #OutOfTheBox

Bonus: Less Mess without Skimping on Flavor

For those of you pushed for time and energy (I know, only a couple of you right?), this one-pot stove-top mac and cheese might change everything. It did for us!

Charity Curley Mathews is the mom of four small kids. She blogs about food and parenting at Foodlets.com, where every recipe is full of fresh ingredients, simple to make and kid-tested 4x.