Jalapenos add a little bit of spice and a big bite of flavor. This is an excellent way to add heat to your mac and cheese. Aside from the usual red hot dogs, you can also try sausages or frankfurters for a more distinct flavor. This is a major hit with kids (and adults too!) so give it a try. Who says hot dogs only go on buns? Dice them up and add them on top of your mac and cheese! If you want something simple, why not try crushed butter crackers? This classic combo never disappoints and the combo of crunchy, buttery crackers with the creamy macaroni is just perfection. If you can’t get them fresh, kani sticks or crab meat sticks are easier to find at groceries or asian stores. Lobster MeatĪnother excellent seafood option to enjoy with your mac and cheese is lobster meat! I love how creamy lobster meat is and I think it pairs so well with whatever kind of cheese you use. If your mac and cheese is on the milkier side, try Cajun shrimp! 10. Garlic butter shrimp goes especially well with extra cheesy and silky mac and cheese. Want your seafood fix with your mac and cheese? Try topping it with shrimp! For a little extra kick, you can make it with Cajun seasoning. Those tender juicy bits of pork go oh so well with your mac and cheese. You’ll need to prepare this in advance but the effort is so worth it. The sweet and savory flavors of pulled pork combine perfectly with mac and cheese. I try not to make this too often but when I do, it’s always worth the extra calories. This isn’t the healthiest option here but crushed cheetos make any cheesy dish taste even better! Instead of the usual bread crumbs, top off your mac and cheese with hot cheetos and thank me later! Add them on top of your mac and cheese and you’ve got the perfect one-bowl meal!įor an extra pop of flavor, drizzle some additional BBQ sauce on top! 7. The BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.Ĭut your chicken into smaller pieces. Yum!Īside from the usual fried option, BBQ chicken is also a great way to add some protein into your mac and cheese. If you want something crunchy, add in some homemade corn nuts and pour them on top. Here’s another southern way to top of your mac and cheese… with corn! Add some buttery corn kernels with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika and you’ll never think about mac and cheese the same way again. I recommend using smoked ham as the smokiness pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy flavors. This combo works especially well with a milkier mac and cheese. It’s just as delicious and you even get that extra savory, salty flavor from the juicy ham. Diced HamĬraving something meaty with your mac and cheese but want to keep its gooey texture? Add in some diced ham instead of bacon! If you’re trying to stay away from gluten or carbs, you can even make cauliflower mac and cheese without the pasta! Guilt-free but equally delicious! 4. I love its mild, milky flavor and I will usually add this on top of my mac and cheese before baking. CauliflowerĪ healthy way to add texture to your mac and cheese is by adding cauliflower bits. This one is foolproof and probably won’t last long after you serve it! This combo is too good to resist. Fried Chickenįor some truly southern comfort food, top off your mac and cheese with fried chicken! I like to use small pieces of chicken (the size of tater tots!) coated in a batter that makes them extra crispy. When I make this, I always cook the bacon extra crispy and then crush them before adding a generous amount on top of my mac and cheese. Bacon Bitsīacon and cheese, a match made in heaven! Just the sight of golden yellow mac and cheese and the dark crispy bits of bacon are enough to make your mouth water. Everyone has their favorite cheese to add but my go-to’s are mozzarella, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, smoked gouda, fontina, and gruyere.īut there are far more toppings available for this family favorite than just cheese! From fried chicken and pulled pork to butter crackers and hot dogs, here are some of the best ways to top your mac and cheese. This one is an all-time favorite in my house and I’m sure it is in yours too.

Best cheese for mac n cheese recipe