How To Make The Absolute BEST Mac And Cheese Bar 

Have you ever made a Mac And Cheese Bar? It's a great dish for kids or for a casual party since guests can customize their own heaping bowls of cheesy macaroni with an array of delectable toppings and mix-ins. Whether it's a casual get-together, game day celebration, or a cozy night in, a mac and cheese bar is always a crowd-pleaser. 

Mac and Cheese Bar night is one of my kid's favorite dinners. They love choosing the different toppings and creating their own flavor combos, and I love it too. Not only do I get to transform an ordinary mac and cheese into something special (we like to use small bowls so we can try multiple versions!) but it's super easy to make and takes almost no time, making it a great option for busy nights or last minute parties.  

In This Post

• Why I Love This Idea
• Ingredients
• How To Create A Mac and Cheese Bar
• Variations & Substitutions
• What to serve with a Mac and Cheese Bar 
• More Fun Party Food Ideas
• Recipe
• Comments

Why I Love This Idea

There are so many reasons to try a Mac And Cheese Bar at home. Here's why it's so great:

• Easy. This is seriously a simple dinner to pull off. I often make it for my kids when my husband is traveling for work and I just don't feel like spending a ton of time in the kitchen. Just whip up a box of mac and cheese, pull out whatever toppings you can find in the pantry or fridge, and you're done. 
• Versatile. If you have picky eaters, this meal is a godsend. There are tons of toppings you can use to create your spread and the beauty is everyone gets to choose their own. (In other words, no complaining about something being too spicy or having too many veggies!).  
• Fun! Letting guests customize their own bowls makes it a super fun and interactive dining experience. Who doesn't love a whole heaping load of macaroni and cheese with their own mix-ins?

Ingredients

The sky really is the limit when it comes to what you lay out as your toppings here. This is what I used, but feel free to try other toppings (I list some more ideas in the Variations and Substitutions section below).

• Mac and cheese. You can use whatever type of mac and cheese you like - homemade or storebought - it all works.
• Bacon bits. Because, bacon!  
• Extra cheese. I added a side of shredded aged Gouda.
• Chives. 
• Jalapeno slices. 
• Sauteed mushrooms 
• Steamed broccoli.
• Tomatoes.
• Fried onions. For some extra crunch!
• Panko! The added crunch of this Japanese breadcrumb goes great with mac and cheese. (For a full serving - try this panko mac and cheese recipe!)

How To Create A Mac and Cheese Bar

1. Prepare the macaroni and cheese. Prepare your macaroni and cheese and keep warm while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the toppings. Chop your veggies, sautee the mushrooms if using, and steam the broccoli. (Check out this easy method for steaming your broccoli in the Instant Pot!) 
3. Set up. Add all the toppings to small individual bowls serve with the large bowl of mac and cheese. Be sure to provide small tongs, spoons, and forks for easy serving, and consider using multiple small bowls or plates so that guests can try a variety of combinations.

Variations & Substitutions

I am of the belief that it's very hard to screw a mac and cheese bar up. It's so versatile and so many toppings go great with mac and cheese that you really can get creative here. Here are some ways to change it up to suit your own tastes.

Change the Variety of Mac and Cheese 

There are lots of great mac and cheese options out there, or you may have your favorite homemade recipe. Here are a few ideas for your Mac bar:

• Classic cheddar. The traditional creamy mac and cheese.
• White cheddar and gruyère. A more sophisticated blend with a smooth, rich flavor. 
• Smoked gouda. For a smoky, savory option.
• Vegan mac and cheese. Made with cashew or almond milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Change the Toppings and Mix-Ins

• Proteins. Crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken pieces, pulled pork, shrimp. You could even add some black beans for a vegetarian take on this dish!
• Vegetables. Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes all work well here.
• Crunchy add-ons. Panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, fried onions, and toasted nuts (almonds, pecans) are a great way to add a satisfying crunch to the creamy dish.
• Sauces and drizzles. Don't underestimate the power of a good sauce to transform a bowl of mac and cheese. Truffle oil, hot sauce (Sriracha, Cholula), BBQ sauce, and pesto are all amazing.
• Cheese selection for topping. Of course, you'll have whatever cheese you use in the mac and cheese, but extra shredded cheese to add to bowls is always a great idea. Shredded Parmesan, blue cheese crumbles, feta cheese, and Monterey Jack are just a few options.

What to serve with a Mac and Cheese Bar 

The mac and cheese bar will be the star of the show, but you may also want to add some side dishes for variety.

• Breads and crackers. Garlic breadsticks, soft pretzels, and artisan crackers are great finger foods to include here.
• Fresh salads. A simple arugula or baby spinach salad always goes well.

If you try this Easy Mac And Cheese Bar, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your cheesy masterpiece!

Recipe