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There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of mac and cheese. The beauty of the dish is in its simplicity. But just because it’s a simple recipe doesn’t mean it can’t be enhanced. From experimenting with different cheeses and noodles to adding lobster or green chilies, it’s easy to give this classic dish a whole new spin. No matter how unconventional they may seem, the following ideas can turn this traditional comfort food taste into an inventive culinary delight.  If any of the recipes catch your eye, be sure to click the Spring It! button to save it for later.  (New to Springpad? We’re a free application that makes it easy to save anything you want to remember. Learn more here).

1. Beefy Macaroni and Cheese
This variation, created by Paula Deen’s son, Wayne, is especially popular amongst comfort-food lovers. The recipe was included in Paula’s 2005 cookbook, Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics: The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook, and has also received numerous positive reviews from fans on her website. Its allure likely lies in the way that the beef is seasoned with a number of spices before it’s added to the macaroni. Recipe from Paula Deen.
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2. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
This take on mac and cheese combines two classic American dishes into one. While it looks perfectly tasty as is, the recipe’s creator suggests improving it by sprinkling blue cheese crumbles and diced celery on top.  Recipe from Yum Sugar.
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3. Caramelized Sweet Potato, Garlic and Rosemary Macaroni and Cheese
The amazing combination of sweet potato, garlic, and rosemary make this dish an award-winner. Created by Angie Phillips of Tarzana, CA, the recipe won the Grand Prize at the 2008 Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Cook-Off.  Recipe from Delish.
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4. Carrot Macaroni and Cheese
It may seem like an unlikely vegetable to pair with macaroni and cheese, but the addition of carrots to this recipe brings more than great flavor. Added as a puree, carrots infuse the dish with Vitamin A and also reduce the fat.  Recipe from Food & Wine.
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5. Cornbread and Apple Topped Macaroni and Cheese
Ever wanted to enjoy your dinner and desert at the same time? Well, now you can, thanks to this macaroni and cheese dish that comes topped with cornbread crumbles and apple slices. The salty and sweet combo made this recipe the People’s Choice Winner at the 2008 Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Cook-Off.  Recipe from Delish.
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6. Deep Fried Mac and Cheese
Because just about anything tastes better deep fried, this recipe turns mac and cheese into crispy, bite size squares. While few may remember, this dish was offered at Jack-in-the-Box for a short time. Luckily, Paula Deen has published her version of the recipe so that anyone with a deep fryer handy can re-create this guilty pleasure at home.  Recipe from Food Network.
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7. Four Cheese Mac-a-Rita Cocktail

Adding an upscale twist to an otherwise modest dish, this version calls for jumbo shrimp, cream cheese and . . . a margarita glass? Definitely one of the stand-out recipes at the 2008 Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Cook-Off, the “mac-a-rita” cocktail is a unique way to enjoy a delicious dish.  Recipe from Hugging the Coast.
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8. Gorgonzola and Apple Macaroni and Cheese
Solstice Lounge in San Fransisco offers a sophisticated take on mac and cheese by adding gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, and green apples. Don’t live near the Bay Area? Not to fret; a San Fran local has recreated this recipe so that all can enjoy.  Recipe from Yum Sugar.
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9. Lobster Mac n’ Cheese
Adding a nautical taste to the classic comfort food, lobster meat is the standout ingredient in this mac and cheese dish. Topping it off, however, is nutmeg, a spice that pairs excellently with cheese and adds in a subtle and sweet flavor. Recipe from Steamy Kitchen.
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10. Mac and Cheese Paella with Shrimp and Scallops
A staple in Spanish cuisine, paella usually includes many different ingredients. This dish adds macaroni and cheese to the mix. Just make sure to include the paprika to retain the Spanish flavor.  Recipe from Food Buzz.
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11. Macaroni and Cheese Pie
If we can have chicken pot pies, why not mac and cheese pies? Although a lot of prep work (not to mention strategic timing) goes into making the pies, the results are well worth the labor. After tasting these, you’ll understand why judges at the 2009 San Francisco Food Wars awarded this recipe the best mac and cheese dish.  Recipe from Chow.
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12. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza
What’s better than an extra cheesy pizza? A macaroni and cheese pizza! With the macaroni serving as a base, and the eggs as a binder, there’s no need for a pizza crust. But once you taste the traditional pizza ingredients along with baked mac and cheese, you’ll hardly miss it.  Recipe from Recipe Lion.
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13. Neapolitan Macaroni and Cheese
Is it still mac and cheese without the macaroni? Lidia Bastianich from “Lidia’s Italy” seems to think so. Her “Neapolitan” macaroni and cheese calls for ditalini pasta, rather than macaroni, and smoked provola instead of American or cheddar cheese. The result is an authentic Italian dish that still resembles the American classic.  Recipe from Yum Sugar.
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14. Pesto Mac n’ Goat Cheese
Varying the type of cheese used in macaroni and cheese will not only add a new look, but also a completely different taste. Aida Mollenkemp, of the Food Network’s “Ask Aida,” jazzes up her mac and cheese by using pesto sauce and goat cheese. It gives the dish a refreshing Mediterranean flavor.  Recipe from Food Network.
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15. Polka Dot Mac and Cheese
This variation of baked mac and cheese is especially popular with kids because of its polka dotted appearance. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and milk holds the casserole together, while the hot dog slices placed on top give the dish a fun look.  Recipe from Recipe Lion.
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16. Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese With Sauteed Leeks
Making macaroni and cheese unique not only requires inventive ideas, but also the strategic combination of flavors. The use of sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe is deliberate as it complements the sweet taste of the leeks. To complete the dish, sprinkle bacon crumbles on the top.  Recipe from Yum Sugar.
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17. Souffleed Macaroni and Cheese
When we think of souffles, we usually associate them with cakes or other baked goods. However, this recipe shows that they work with other types of food, as well. The use of milk, eggs, and bread crumbs turns this mac and cheese dish into a light and fluffy souffle.  This recipe is from Gourmet.
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18. Spicy Mac n’ Cheese
In celebration of 2009 National Cheese Lover’s Day, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board challenged thirty bloggers to create a unique mac and cheese recipe, each using a different type of cheese. This recipe was created using Colby Jack cheese, which has a sharp and spicy taste. The addition of cayenne, jalapeno, roasted red peppers, as well as onion, makes this a truly hot dish.  Recipe from Annie’s Eats.
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19. Tex Mex Mac n’ Cheese (w/ green chilis)
Infusing a bit of the Southwest, this mac and cheese recipe utilizes a staple ingredient of Tex-Mex cuisine: roasted poblano chilies. Corn tortillas as well as cilantro are included to give the dish an authentic Texan taste.  Recipe from Yum Sugar.
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20. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Going vegan doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your favorite dishes, thanks to soy products and tofu. Using these two products as substitutes for dairy and meat will allow you to recreate mac and cheese in a healthy way.
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