When it comes to mac and cheese, the possibilities are endless. There’s a delicious variety of ingredients, toppings and mix-ins you can combine with this dish to make dinnertime a fun adventure for all ages. Whether it’s sausage, chicken, pulled pork or vegetables, you can easily find the right ingredients to cater to even the pickiest palate.
If you need some ideas for sprucing up a traditional mac and cheese dish, you’ve come to the right place. This article will teach you how to think outside the box with mac and cheese with 10 tasty recipes. You may even discover a new family favorite meal from this list!
10 Different Types of Mac and Cheese
Whatever type of food you’re craving — whether pizza, seafood or spicy buffalo chicken — there’s bound to be a mac and cheese recipe out there to treat your tastebuds. While you can’t go wrong with classic mac and cheese, adding in some fun ingredients is a great way to discover tasty flavor concoctions.
If you’re searching for new dishes to try out, browse this list of 10 unique mac and cheese recipes for some inspiration!
1. Sausage Mac and Cheese
Pairing creamy macaroni and cheese with sweet Italian sausage creates a delicious and hearty family meal. While you can throw in any type of cheese you desire, we highly recommend cheddar and parmesan for the ultimate savory blend. If you need an easy dish that appeals to both the grownups and kids in your family, sausage mac and cheese is the way to go!
2. Pizza Mac and Cheese
If you’re trying to decide what to make the kids for dinner this week, try combining two of the most popular and quintessential dishes — macaroni and cheese and pizza — for a meal that delights the tastebuds.
This pizza mac and cheese recipe combines savory penne, mini pepperoni slices, tomato paste, grated mozzarella and fresh spices so you can bring the flavors of a gourmet Italian dish to your own household.
3. Veggie Mac and Cheese
Want to put a healthier spin on classic mac and cheese? This veggie macaroni and cheese should do the trick! While this recipe calls for broccoli, cauliflower, celery, onion and carrots, feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you desire. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly meals or simply want to prioritize healthy eating, this meal is a great way to add some color to your plate.
4. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you want a little kick with your mac and cheese, add a touch of spice using this delicious buffalo chicken mac and cheese. A mouthwatering blend of rotisserie chicken, hot sauce, elbow macaroni and three different types of cheese, this recipe is both tasty and surprisingly simple to make. Try serving this dish with a side of celery sticks!
5. Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your seafood cravings with some tasty shrimp mac and cheese. In this recipe, frozen salad shrimp gives way to elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar for an irresistible combo of texture and flavor. You can even add panko bread crumbs to enrich this unique culinary experience. If you’d like to add a subtle coastal flair to your meal, you can’t go wrong with this specialty mac and cheese dish.
6. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
You may have eaten pulled pork with macaroni and cheese on the side at some point, but have you ever considered mixing them together? This pulled pork mac and cheese combines two beloved comfort foods for the ultimate soft and savory dish. It’s an excellent solution if you’re looking for a way to use up your leftover pork, but you can also purchase fresh pulled pork if preferred.
Whether hosting a barbecue, bringing a dish to a potluck or just making dinner for the kids, this tasty and simple dish will have everyone returning for another helping. Try serving this dish with homemade coleslaw and soft rolls or biscuits for the ultimate dinner combo.
7. Crab Mac and Cheese
Like shrimp macaroni and cheese, this crab mac and cheese is an excellent way to combine rich seaside flavors with creamy pasta. Enjoy the taste of fresh herbs and spices, crab meat, elbow pasta, white cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a dish that will leave you wanting more. Whether you need an elegant holiday meal or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe can do it all.
8. Mac and Cheese With Bacon and Sausage
We previously discussed the delicious ensemble of macaroni and cheese and sausage — however, adding some bacon to the mix is a meat lover’s dream. If you’re craving a hot meal on a chilly winter day, one bite of this mac and cheese with bacon and sausage will instantly greet the palate with warmth and comfort. Sweet chicken sausage and bacon is also a great way to add a flavorful boost of protein to your meal.
9. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Combine classic mac and cheese flavors with nutrient-rich broccoli for a healthy and tasty family meal. With quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and parmesan, broccoli florets, elbow macaroni and fresh spices, this broccoli cheddar mac and cheese will blow your mind! Consider trying it out for your next family dinner.
10. Cheesy Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta
Who would’ve guessed that pumpkin and cheesy pasta would be a culinary match made in heaven? If you’re looking for a way to incorporate creamy pumpkin into your recipes for a fall-inspired dish, this cheesy pumpkin and sausage pasta is your answer. A hearty combo of sweet Italian sausage, buttery pumpkin puree and your choice of pasta, this dish will surely steal your heart for the autumn season.
Elevate Your Mac and Cheese Dishes With Premio Sausage
After exploring 10 ways to take classic mac and cheese to the next level, we hope you’ve gathered some new meal ideas to make dinnertime a delight. If you need fresh, quality ingredients to add to your mac and cheese, gourmet sausage is our specialty here at Premio Foods.
For over 40 years, we’ve crafted fine Italian sausage from the freshest herbs and cheeses to please even the most selective palate. From traditional Italian to chicken sausage to ethnic varieties, we’ve got it all. You can also visit our recipe center, which features a variety of breakfast dishes, appetizers and entrees so you can discover delicious ways to incorporate our sausage into your favorite meals.
Experience authentic Italian flavors when you shop with Premio Foods. Find a store near you to purchase our sausage today!