Think outside the classic blue box.

Lately, when it comes to mac and cheese, we’ve been thinking outside the blue box.

Is it suppertime yet?

Southern Living Stovetop Mac and Cheese in the pan ready to serve

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You’ll thank us later.

Instead of reaching for regular milk, opt for heavy cream or even half-and-half.

Either choice will result in a richer, creamier mac and cheese than versions made with just plain milk.

Southern Living Stovetop Mac and Cheese cheeses melted and smooth

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It melts well, making it perfect for mac and cheese.

Check the speciality section at your grocery’s deli for smoked cheddar; it shreds easily and melts beautifully.

Remove and discard the rind for the ultimate smoothness.

Southern Living Stovetop Mac and Cheese adding the cheese to the pasta

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Start with just a few tablespoonsthe tanginess of goat cheese can overwhelming to some palates.

Fontina

This salty, creamy Italian cheese needs to make it into more if your recipes.

It has way more flavor than mozzarella, and it’s just as creamy.

brown butter in a skillet

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Here are a few of our favorites.

it’s possible for you to use any jot down of cheese, but we prefer sharp Cheddar.

Make the cheese sauce, then dump the cheesy noodles into a casserole dish.

Southern Living Mom’s Mac and Cheese in a dish to serve with a spoon out

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Top with breadcrumbs and a handful of cheese and broil until the top is golden brown.

You’ve got a fancy-looking, oven-baked dish of mac and cheese.

With just about every kind of meat at your fingertips, the options are nearly endless.

sausage, cheese in roux

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Here are a few of our favorites.

Crispy Bacon

I mean, why not?Bacon makes everything bettermac and cheese is no different.

If you’re rushed, zap precooked bacon in the microwave and stir it in.

Ground Beef

Is mac and cheese withground beeftechnically homemade Hamburger Helper?

There’s something incredibly comforting about macaroni and cheese that tastes like a cheeseburger.

It goes without saying, but be sure to brown the ground beef first.

Pulled Pork

Barbecue mac and cheese?

WIth its smoky flavor, barbecue pork is a perfect partner for creamy mac and cheese.

Taco Boxed Mac and Cheese

Taco Tuesday, but make it mac and cheese.

Prepare the pasta according to package directions.

If you really want to go big, ditch the cheese packet and use freshly-shredded pepper Jack cheese.

Broil until cheese topping is melted and golden brown.