Top your mac and cheese for a satisfying meal

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food.

Few dishes of such simplicity offer so much flavor and richness. While many reach for convenient options when the craving strikes, nothing can compare to a bubbling, hot, homemade mac and cheese fresh from the oven – and it’s so easy to make. Create a roux of milk, flour and your favorite seasonings. Slowly add shredded cheese until melted and pour it over a baking dish of prepared macaroni. From there, just top it with panko breadcrumbs and bake.

Any variety of cheese combinations are certain to create a dinner-time favorite, though there’s a reason why traditional mac and cheese made with high-quality cheddar became such a classic. It’s an inexpensive dish offering a warm, buttery flavor and a pleasant blend of textures.

Creamy, delicious and hearty, it’s a perfect side dish for almost any main course. When accompanied by the right toppings, mac and cheese becomes a satisfying meal onto its own. Here are some great options that will warm your spirits and impress those gathered around your dinner table.

Pulled pork – Pulled pork and mac and cheese are two staples of Southern US cuisine and they’re perfect as a pair. Blend tender shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce and pile it high on a bed of macaroni and cheese. Drizzle some more barbecue sauce on top. For an added kick, use French-fried onions instead of breadcrumbs. It’s a heavenly blend of creamy and zesty in every bite.

Chicken, bacon and ranch – Everyone loves bacon, and its salty profile is a wonderful complement to the creaminess of mac and cheese. Meanwhile, the addition of diced chicken breast creates a more robust meal. Drizzle it with creamy, zesty ranch dressing for a combination of flavors that will have your guests reaching for second helpings.

Taco – Create a mac and cheese with some Mexican flair. Top it with all of your favorites such as seasoned ground beef, salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Instead of breadcrumbs, top your mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips before baking.

Jerk chicken –  The sweet, hot and tangy taste of Caribbean spices is tempered by the buttery, creaminess of the mac and cheese, creating an inviting and balanced bite. Blend jerk seasoning into your mac and cheese to your desired taste and add diced chicken for a delicious and aromatic meal.

Vegetarian – Add your favorite veggies to a piping hot mac and cheese for a filling, satisfying meal that you can feel better about.  Top it with broccoli. The sweetness of corn adds a pleasant dynamic amid the salty, savory flavors of the dish. Onions, bell peppers and mushrooms add great flavor and texture.

The right toppings can elevate the dish, though it always takes a great cheddar to make the best mac and cheese. High-quality, award-winning cheddar cheese from Agropur is a top choice among restaurants and prominent brands. Click here to learn more about Agropur Cheddar.