A Mac And Cheese Bar Is What Party Food Dreams Are Made Of

There is no classic comfort food that satisfies quite like homemade macaroni and cheese. It's equal parts nostalgic and cozy, and a basic recipe only requires macaroni, cheese, and a little milk. Of course, there are countless ways to enhance this easy, cheesy dish, and what better way to do that than to build a mac and cheese bar? It's the perfect conversation starter for your next party, and also ensures that every guest has a satisfying meal featuring their favorite add-ons. 

Before you consider toppings, think about the base of the dish. You can offer more than one pasta shape if you'd like, or even a gluten-free pasta option if any guests have dietary restrictions. The same can be said for the cheese sauce; vegan cheese might be good to include to make sure any dairy-free guests can still participate in the fun, and sauces made from various cheeses like cheddar or Gruyére can add to the customizability. Or, to keep it even simpler, cook up a batch of your favorite store-bought mac and cheese, then set it out on a food warmer with all of the toppings around it.

The best way to do a macaroni and cheese bar is to have a balance of toppings, ranging from vegetables and meats to garnishes. In terms of greens, elements like sauteed spinach and roasted broccoli are great for adding nutrients, and you can incorporate some spice with an array of peppers, like Italian long hots, jalapeños, or chipotles in adobo.

Meat toppings are a must for flavor and substance. If you have the time to make slow cooker pulled pork or brisket, try pairing them with the rich flavors of the mac and cheese. Though, simpler ingredients like shredded chicken or ground beef will work, too. Sauces will go a long way for your mac and cheese bar as well. Buffalo or hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and chili crisp will build big flavor and give guests plenty of ways to enhance their meal. 

As for garnishes, toasted breadcrumbs, chives, and even additional cheeses (such as blue cheese or cotija, which both have a different texture compared to the cheese sauce) are great for completing your mac and cheese bowl.The toppings bar is ultimately up to the host, but as long as its full of variety, the guests will have fun building their very own mac-sterpieces.