9 mac 'n' cheese recipes you need right now

Oct. 13, 2015 8:30 AM PT

You want mac 'n' cheese for dinner. Maybe you've been thinking about it since you woke up this morning; maybe you're just now admitting it to yourself. Either way, you want it. Just call us your personal mac 'n' cheese helpline. Here are 9 mac 'n' cheese recipes to cook tonight. And yes, you can cook all 9 if you feel like it. Just click on the photos to go to the recipes. You're welcome.

Really the best-ever mac 'n' cheese

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

We ran this recipe for "really the best-ever mac 'n' cheese" a few years ago. And while not everyone might agree that it's the best ever, you're bound to love the fact that it takes just over an hour to make — perfect if you're thinking about what to put on the table for dinner tonight.

Palazzio's macaroni and cheese

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

This take on the classic comfort food combines no fewer than three kinds of cheese, with some prosciutto thrown in for a little extra love.

Famous Dave's mac 'n' cheese

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

A medley of original flavors makes this mac 'n' cheese shine. It starts with four different types of cheeses, the sauce built out with corn, spicy jalapenos, fresh parsley and a touch of BBQ sauce. Top it with a crumbly breadcrumb topping and bake it until its wonderful aroma is simply too much to bear. (This dish can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to bake.)

Spicy mac and cheese

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

This recipe, from Purple Palm in Palm Springs, gets its kick from pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The subtle heat provides a nice contrast to the rich creaminess of the sauce and makes for a fun take on this favorite dish.

Tallegio mac 'n' cheese from the Chateau Marmont

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

From chef Carolynn Spence, this version is perfect if you're into the rich and creamy variety, the Tallegio cheese lending a creamy tang and the flavors rounded out with subtle hints of spice from coriander, mustard and nutmeg.

Cheesy spinach mac

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

Cheese, more cheese, mushrooms, spinach, panko crumbs and truffle oil. It's the way the Beachcomber does mac 'n' cheese.

Queen and Diva's mac 'n' cheese

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

With four types of cheese, this mac 'n' cheese is extra rich and creamy. The secret ingredients include a can of mushroom soup and sour cream. Assemble it ahead of time, if you'd like, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

The Bistro's mac 'n' cheese with grilled chicken

Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

You want it all? This mac 'n' cheese has it. Grilled chicken, pancetta, bread crumb topping — oh, and plenty of cheese. Yeah ....

Beer-baked mac 'n' cheese

Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

There's something wonderfully simple about ooey-gooey cheese baked with pasta. Adding a little beer just takes that magic to a whole new level. This recipe, from the Rackhouse Pub in Denver, is one of our mac 'n' cheese favorites. The recipe combines five kinds of cheese in a rich base lightened with a cup of amber ale and then baked under a crust of panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese to rich, crisp, golden perfection.

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