Macaroni & cheese is a timeless favorite among foodies everywhere. Anyone who is like me knows that mac & cheese is more than just noodles and powder in a blue box; it's an artform. Mac & cheese takes on many different forms, from a side dish to the main course, to even a snack. In my 18 years of living, I have come across many different mac & cheese creations, and below is my definitive list (in no particular order -- except the mac & cheese bites which are by far the most superior) of the best ways to enjoy macaroni & cheese.
1. Mac & Cheese Bites
THESE. ARE. MY. EVERYTHING. Nothing makes me happier than chowin' down on these crispy, gooey, golden brown triangles of magic. No matter where I am if I see these bad boys on a menu I will be ordering them. Mac & cheese bites are great because you never have to be "in the mood" for them. Yes, of course, they are highly crave-able, but no matter the occasion there is always a valid excuse to eat fried mac & cheese.
2. Mac & Cheese Burgers
If more of a meal (or a delicious heart attack) is what you're looking for, mac & cheese burgers are the way to go. I mean, don't get me wrong, regular cheeseburgers are delicious, but adding the mac just takes it to a whole other level. But if you think mac & cheese on a burger is crazy, check this out:
No, your eyes do not deceive you. Yes, the buns on that burger were replaced with fried slabs of mac. I honestly have no words for this one. The genius behind this is just too much for me to comprehend right now. Basically, I need to find this burger ASAP.
3. Mac & Cheese Pizza
Is it one of those nights where you can't decide between mac & cheese and pizza? This is a classic dilemma that I encounter more often than not. The classic solution to this is mac & cheese pizza. It's like cheese pizza -- but better. Mac & cheese pizza also allows for lots of experimenting. Like pepperoni or sausage? Toss it on there. Mac & cheese pizza probably works well with peppers, too. I'd stay away from the mushrooms, but hey, whatever works for you.
4. Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich
Grilled mac & cheese is a great DIY recipe. Just make some mac, toss it on buttered bread, and toss it on the stove. My only concern that surrounds grilled mac & cheese sandwiches is the same that problem that comes with regular grilled cheese: getting the bread just right. It would be INCREDIBLY disappointing to attempt this recipe at home, only to end up with charred bread and burnt cheese. Hopefully, the only grilled mac & cheese you encounter is as perfect as the one in this photo.
5. Lobster Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese is often regarded as "kid" food, due to its simplistic and yummy nature. However, this notion is dumb because mac & cheese should be enjoyed in copious amounts by all. For those of us that like to think of themselves as **sophisticated** young adults (at times) there is the ever-so bougie lobster mac & cheese. Often made with shell pasta to preserve the nautical theme of the dish and dusted with breadcrumbs, this way of eating mac & cheese cannot be frowned upon by anyone. I mean, it's mac & cheese & omega-3's. Everyone's a winner when it comes to lobster mac.
