I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Mac And Cheese!

If I don't consume mac and cheese at least once a week, I'm having a rough go of things. It's one of my absolute favourite things to eat and I've written quite a few mac and cheese recipes to date. Whether you're the kind of person who likes noodles, cheese and that's it, or the kind of person who wants veggies and crumb toppings, I've got a mac and cheese recipe for you. Let's celebrate mac and cheese together with 5 of my favourite mac recipes including this week's Southern Mac & Cheese!

MEXICAN MAC & CHZ BAKE

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/mexican-mac-cheese-bake

Everything we love about mac and cheese, with a Mexican inspired twist. We've got black beans, cob corn, tomatoes, and peppers, along with spices like chili, cumin, and garlic. Topped with a crumb topping that features similar spices to really reinforce that Mexican flare, this is a fun twist on mac and cheese that brings the flavours and provides some veg action to go along with it.

SKILLET GNOCCHI MAC N CHZ WITH ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/skillet-gnocchi-mac-n-cheese-with-roasted-brussel-sprouts

Skillet macs are probs my fav because they start and end in the same pan which means, less cleanup :) Another thing about this recipe that's fab you ask? The gnocchi doesn't even need to be cooked prior to being tossed in the sauce and baked, it's really that simple. This skillet mac features tender gnocchi and some beautifully roasted brussel sprouts that provide jus a little spice and bitterness to cut through all of the richness that is this cheesy skillet.

CREMINI & SPINACH CHEESY DITALI SKILLET

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/cremini-spinach-cheesy-ditali-skilet

Almost any noodle out there will do just fine when it comes to a cheesy skillet mac and this recipe features ditali pasta. Ditali is one of my faves because it retains a lot of texture which provides a really great chew. This mac recipe features caramelized cremini mushrooms and loads of fresh spinach along with old cheddar, mozzarella, and a garlicky grana padano crumb topping. 

SOUTHERN MAC N CHEESE

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/southern-mac-n-cheese

Southern mac and cheese is a bit different than your typical roux based mac. It can contain evaporated milk but always contains eggs which gives your mac and cheese a custardy vibe that's pretty divine. Also, it's actually a lot easier to make than your roux based macs because everything is kind of tossed together and baked. This delightful mac features a jalapeno gouda, extra old cheddar, and American cheese which helps hard cheeses melt butter and provides a creamy, dreamy texture to your sauce. This mac is one of my absolute faves so y'all better get the recipe!

GNOCCHI, BROC, & CAULI CHEESE SKILLET

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/gnocchi-cauli-broccoli-cheese-skillet

Another skillet gnocchi but this one comes in hard with the cruciferous veggies for the win. Blanched cauliflower and broccoli along with tender gnocchi and a dreamy sauce baked under a very simple layer of garlicky panko. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this aside from the obvious need for some couch time after you inevitably have two servings.