Celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day with these unique recipes

A family favorite, endlessly versatile and universally adored, the ultimate comfort food is celebrated this National Mac and Cheese Day. What better time to add a new twist to this classic?

America just can’t get enough of this ultimate comfort food, which originated from Northern Europe. 

Celebrated every 14th of July, the National Mac and Cheese Day was a celebration of cheesy goodness indulgence.

To get the most of this cheesy holiday, we’ve rounded up the best mac and cheese recipes you can try.

Best Mac and Cheese recipes 

Stovetop mac and cheese

Photo from foodnetwork.com

This quick and easy mac and cheese is guaranteed to be superior to the boxed versions. A combination of sharp cheddar and mild American cheeses plus cream cheese, this concoction makes for a perfectly balanced, creamy sauce that will delight even the pickiest eaters.

Check out the recipe here.

Southern baked mac and cheese

Photo from africanbites.com

A decadent baked pasta that’s a Southern staple for special occasions and holidays, this is one of the best mac and cheese recipes you should try. Unlike the basic stovetop version, this one uses three kinds of cheese and will delight every mac and cheese lover with a casserole-like golden, crispy top. 

Get the recipe here. 

Rice cooker mac and cheese

Photo from budgetbytes

Don’t want to use the oven? Thank your rice cooker later. This approach ensures perfectly al dente macaroni covered in rich sauce.

Here’s how to cook this dish.

Buffalo cauliflower baked mac and cheese

Photo from ambitiouskitchen

Delivering the classic buffalo-wing flavor sans the meat, this veggie-powered dish does the job. Serve it with hot sauce for friends and family who love fiery delights.

Get the recipe here. 

Microwave macaroni and cheese

Photo from familyfoodonthetable

Need a comfort food fix? Try this recipe that creates an oh-so-creamy macaroni and cheese using just a bowl and your microwave.

How to prepare? Check here.

Baked all-cheddar mac and cheese

Photo from allrecipes

For gatherings and special occasions, this baked mac is a real showstopper. With a custardy, rich sauce made of evaporated milk, eggs and cream, this recipe is packed with cheddar cheese and topped with buttery breadcrumbs.

Here’s how to prep this meal.

Vegan mac and cheese

Who says vegans can’t enjoy this comfort food? This version uses pureed cauliflower, vegan cheddar and turmeric for that orange hue. Adding a cheesy flavor to the mix are the miso paste and nutritional yeast.

Here’s how to prepare this dish.

Chicken and broccoli macaroni and cheese

Photo from judykim.nyc

Loaded with flavor and extra cheese, this version is a mixture of pecorino-Romano, mozzarella and parmesan with chicken and broccoli for that hearty meal.

How to cook? Check here.

Filipino-style mac and cheese

In every Filipino gathering, a sweet and meaty style spaghetti is almost never absent. Inspired by this staple, this version uses an elbow noodle topped with red spaghetti sauce and tons of cheesy goodness.

Here’s how to prepare this dish.

Shrimp scampi macaroni and cheese

Photo from food.com

Elevate this childhood comfort food with a fancy twist. Garlic and shrimp blend perfectly with pasta wrapped-up in cheesy, dreamy sauce.

Check the recipe here.

With these recipes on hand, you can say “cheese” with a big smile on National Mac and Cheese Day.