Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

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
• Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
• Macaroni and Cheese
  
• Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
  
• Macaroni and Cheese
   

With extras:

• Kid Pleasin' Fried Chicken and Quince Jelly over Macaroni and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes
• Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
• Mac & Cheese
• Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese
• Mac and Cheese Carbonara
  
• Macaroni and Cheese My Way
  
• Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower
  
• Pepperoni, Macaroni and Cheese "Lasagna Style"
• Spicy Baked Macaroni  

Above and beyond:

• 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.