No one should be expected to forgo mac and cheese in the dead of winter. This, the creamiest of all comfort foods, is our only solace when an apocalyptic blizzard is headed our way. Without a doubt, box mixes are convenient — but those cheesy orange powders and squeezable pouches of "Cheddar" contain hidden preservatives and not-so-hidden synthetic dyes that our bodies could do without. Steer clear of undesirable (and unpronounceable) ingredients while still getting your coze on with these wholesome homemade macs from Food Network.

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese (pictured above)

This lightened-up but still creamy version of macaroni and cheese is full of protein — an impressive 29 grams per serving, to be exact — quite an accomplishment for a vegetarian meal. The whole-wheat pasta, spinach and artichoke hearts add their vitamin, mineral and fiber superpowers.

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese

It seems sometimes there are only two choices with macaroni and cheese: Make it from scratch with a roux and slow-simmered cheese sauce, or tear open a box and make it in minutes. It turns out you don’t have to choose between quality and convenience. This quick method uses goat cheese, aged white Cheddar and gluten-free pasta. Throw in some dark lacinato kale and you have a complete meal in about 25 minutes.

Macaroni and Four Cheeses

The secret to this casserole is pureed winter squash for its nutrients, bright orange color and velvety flavor that complements the four cheeses.

Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese

This macaroni is every bit as creamy and cheesy as the traditional version, but with fewer calories thanks to lowfat cheeses and skim milk.

Vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese

This low-fat, dairy-free version of an American classic certainly has the right look, with its creamy orange sauce, thanks to pureed cauliflower, vegan Cheddar and turmeric. Food Network Kitchen recommends using umami-packed miso paste and nutritional yeast to evoke the savory, nutty quality of cheese.

For more mac and cheese, check out these recipes from our friends:

Feed Me Phoebe: White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

Creative Culinary: Green Chile Mac and Cheese

The Wimpy Vegetarian: Bang Bang Cauliflower Mac ’n Cheese

The Mom 100: Creamy Four Cheese Penne Rigate

Taste with the Eyes: Mac and Cheese, Ham, Carrot, Celery, Onion {gluten-free}

In Jennie’s Kitchen: Cacio e Pepe

Napa Farmhouse 1885: One Skillet Mac & Cheese

Red or Green: Three Perfect Mac & Cheese Recipes For Winter

From My Corner of Saratoga: Buffalo Mac n Cheese Recipe