Southern comfort food dishes are almost always as versatile as they are satisfying. That's especially true of macaroni and cheese: You can add almost any ingredient to cheese-laden noodles and discover a delicious new dish. And unless you're lactose intolerant, there will be some combination of cheese and carbs that will satisfy, or at least make you nostalgic for the only palatable side dish at your old grade school cafeteria. So, here's a short list of local places that serve some solid mac and cheese, whether they're gourmet and dressed up or simple and classic. As always, shoot us a message here or drop a suggestion in the comments if you think we've missed a good place.
Each miniature Le Creuset cocotte holds an individual serving of cheesy, bread crumb-topped short rib mac and cheese. The dense sauce stands up to the al dente noodles and the small bits of meat add the right amount of saltiness.
Whether you've found yourself at this Upper Kirby Japanese eatery for the sushi, miso ramen or the kobe beef skewers: Try the lobster mac and cheese with sweet chunks of lobster meat all topped with a sauce of Redneck Cheddar, gouda and SarVecchio Parmesan.
If ever there were ever a reason to speak in superlatives, the foie gras mac and cheese at BRC would be it. Served in a cast-iron skillet, the duck fat, foie gras and raclette Swiss cheese might seem like too much, but it works. Especilaly with BRC's selection of draft beer.
Corkscrew noodles in a silky, creamy cheese sauce at this barbecue spot got a lot better late last year with some new, custom options: Garlic, chili, pesto and Mexican variations on the classic make it fun to mix and choose what goes well with your smoked meat and pint of Yellow Rose.
So this mac and cheese spot is a moving target, but it's a food truck worth chasing for mac and cheese spring rolls. Applewood bacon, beef, Redneck Cheddar, smoked gouda are fried into egg rolls. Miso adds a tasty Asian twist.
It's rich, decadent and necessitates a big gulp of water in between bites, but it's worth every one of its (many, many) calories. With or without the chunks of sweet lobster or crab meat swimming in bechamel sauce, it's a crave-worthy side to your steak.
For an old-school take on this classic dish, head to this local soul food staple. It's good because of its no-frills (there isn't even a bread crumb crust to speak of) simplicity that's belly and soul-satisfying.
While this spot sometimes gets mixed reviews, they have something for everyone with their extensive list of options. Stick with the classic side of the menu or opt for a radical one, like the Tikka with spicy masala and Pepper Jack, the Hangover with a fried egg and pico de gallo or even the chicken and waffles topped with maple syrup. The Heights location is the original and the Westheimer outpost has a similar menu. They're expanding into a franchise, so expect more locations to come.
There are really very few times when truffle oil enhances your dish instead of just making it smell funky for no good reason. However, the truffle mac and cheese here doesn't disappoint because it's balanced and has a hint of citrus that ties all of the flavors together.
Andouille sausage adds just enough of a kick to the panko-crusted creamy corkscrew noodle dish that's been consistently good, even on days when the place is filled to capacity.
Each miniature Le Creuset cocotte holds an individual serving of cheesy, bread crumb-topped short rib mac and cheese. The dense sauce stands up to the al dente noodles and the small bits of meat add the right amount of saltiness.
Whether you've found yourself at this Upper Kirby Japanese eatery for the sushi, miso ramen or the kobe beef skewers: Try the lobster mac and cheese with sweet chunks of lobster meat all topped with a sauce of Redneck Cheddar, gouda and SarVecchio Parmesan.
If ever there were ever a reason to speak in superlatives, the foie gras mac and cheese at BRC would be it. Served in a cast-iron skillet, the duck fat, foie gras and raclette Swiss cheese might seem like too much, but it works. Especilaly with BRC's selection of draft beer.
Corkscrew noodles in a silky, creamy cheese sauce at this barbecue spot got a lot better late last year with some new, custom options: Garlic, chili, pesto and Mexican variations on the classic make it fun to mix and choose what goes well with your smoked meat and pint of Yellow Rose.
So this mac and cheese spot is a moving target, but it's a food truck worth chasing for mac and cheese spring rolls. Applewood bacon, beef, Redneck Cheddar, smoked gouda are fried into egg rolls. Miso adds a tasty Asian twist.
It's rich, decadent and necessitates a big gulp of water in between bites, but it's worth every one of its (many, many) calories. With or without the chunks of sweet lobster or crab meat swimming in bechamel sauce, it's a crave-worthy side to your steak.
For an old-school take on this classic dish, head to this local soul food staple. It's good because of its no-frills (there isn't even a bread crumb crust to speak of) simplicity that's belly and soul-satisfying.
While this spot sometimes gets mixed reviews, they have something for everyone with their extensive list of options. Stick with the classic side of the menu or opt for a radical one, like the Tikka with spicy masala and Pepper Jack, the Hangover with a fried egg and pico de gallo or even the chicken and waffles topped with maple syrup. The Heights location is the original and the Westheimer outpost has a similar menu. They're expanding into a franchise, so expect more locations to come.
There are really very few times when truffle oil enhances your dish instead of just making it smell funky for no good reason. However, the truffle mac and cheese here doesn't disappoint because it's balanced and has a hint of citrus that ties all of the flavors together.
Andouille sausage adds just enough of a kick to the panko-crusted creamy corkscrew noodle dish that's been consistently good, even on days when the place is filled to capacity.
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