If you didn’t write it in every day planner, on every calendar or every square inch of your body, you might have somehow forgotten that Saturday is the inaugural macaroni and cheese festival, Mac ‘N’ Cheez Mania (We know it sounds like a 1990s pro wrestler name, and we don’t even care.)
The rest of us, however, are fully aware of the 11 a.m.-2 p.m. bliss fest that will be happening at War Memorial Stadium. Obviously, it’s the number one priority this week and we can’t focus on much else.
In order to celebrate, we decided to round up a few of the most incredible twists on mac ‘n’ cheese to take your skills to the next level. Enjoy and try not to drool on your computer screen.
Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese
via Unsophisticook | full recipe here
You know how sometimes, when you combine two wonderful things, it turns into an awful thing? This is nothing like that. Two of your favorites in one dish is just as good as it sounds. Is it pasta? Definitely. Is it a dip? It can be whatever you want it to be. Bonus: It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish.
Macaroni & Cheese Baked Cheese Balls
via Averie Cooks | full recipe here
Imagine hushpuppies. You’re smiling, aren’t you? Ok, now imagine they’re filled with pasta and beautiful, creamy cheese. Are you even still conscious? And you don’t have to worry about them being complete coronary bombs because they’re not fried, they’re baked. Move aside, chicken nuggets. You have a new favorite dunk-a-roo.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese
via Organize Yourself Skinny | full recipe here
Never thought to toss some mac ‘n’ cheese in with your crockpot buffalo chicken? Neither did we. That’s why we owe the Internet a great deal of gratitude. Stick to the recipe and the calorie count will surprise you (in a good way). Or go crazy and drown it in bleu cheese. Either way, it’s a good day.
Smoked Gouda & Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
via The Frontier Co-op | full recipe here
Grab your monacle and stick out that pinky finger. You’re about to get fancy. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s lobster, for crying out loud. Not restricted to anniversary celebrations or I’m-Sorry-I-Messed-Up dinners. Cheddar biscuits not included.
Broccoli Chicken Mac & Cheese
via Damn Delicious | full recipe here
Still stumped as to how to get your kids (or significant other) to eat their veggies? Sweep them under the mac and cheese rug and they’ll never know. If you’ve been trying to find a way to work it back into your regular menu, this is a great option for lightening up your mac and cheese a bit while still packing in the protein.
Macaroni & Cheese Pot Pie
via The Gunny Sack | full recipe here
It’s mac and cheese wearing a delicious garlic butter crescent hat. So…
Caprese Macaroni & Cheese
via Diethood | full recipe here
If there were a macaroni mic drop, this would be it. The author calls it “simple, but not classic,” and we could kiss her feet. We’re talking elbow pasta, mozzarella, pesto and sliced tomatoes. Is this what a fairytale ending feels like? Yes, Virginia.
Macaroni & Cheese Pizza
via The Gunny Sack | full recipe here
This goes out to all those readers who need as few steps between them and eating as possible. You are our people. After our two fave Italian foods spent some time in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g, the mac and cheese pizza was born. You just make the mac and cheese, put it on a premade pizza crust and then die happy. You complete us.
Decide to try one out? Show us! Use #HeySoiree to show us your Pin wins and your horriffic fails. That’s good Internet.
Still confused about Mac ‘n’ Cheez Mania? Click here and brace yourself.