While the iconic blue box of cheesy pasta holds a special place in our hearts, nothing beats a serving of homemade macaroni and cheese, made with real cheese (or creative substitutes for the vegan versions) and love. We’ve gathered a buffet of mac and cheese recipes from local moms, dietitians, and chefs—including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly versions! So pick the one that suits your needs, and cook up a batch for a new spin on Thanksgiving side dishes that kids (and grown-ups alike) are sure to gobble up.
Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipes
Brooklyn Allergy Mom's Mac and Cheese
Heidi Bayer, aka Brooklyn Allergy Mom, shares her allergy-friendly, vegan mac and cheese recipe.
Laura Cipullo, R.D., CDE, shares her vegan mac and cheese recipe.
Classic Mac and Cheese Recipes
Maggy Keet, co-author of Three Many Cooks, share her use for all the cheese in the fridge.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipes
Avocado, Zucchini, and Green Bean Macaroni and Cheese
Jennifer Gensterblum, head chef at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, shares her recipe for Avocado, Zucchini, and Green Bean Macaroni and Cheese.
Firey Tomato-Basil Mac and Cheese
Food Network host George Duran shares his take on mac and cheese.
The Sneaky Chef Misty Chase Lapine shares her recipe for mac n' cheese muffins, perfect for packing in kids' lunch boxes.
Mac and Cheese with Meat Recipes
Ray Gruenfelder, founder of theguycornernyc.com, shares his recipe for baked ham mac and cheese.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crumbled Bacon
Long Islander Penelope Guzman shares her recipe for baked macroni and cheese with crumbled bacon.
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Kayla Mitchell, a Master Chef Junior contestant, shares her recipe for bacon mac and cheese bites.
