A macaroni and cheese bar for any party
Macaroni and cheese is a comforting dish that lends itself to a toppings bar, where each guest chooses their own accompaniments.
Before thinking about the sides, it's important to focus on the base. You can offer several types of pasta and a gluten-free option for those who need it. The cheese sauce also allows for variations: a vegan version is suitable for those who don't consume dairy, and sauces made with cheddar or gruyère allow you to personalize the dish.
To simplify, you can prepare a batch of store-bought macaroni and cheese and place it in a food warmer, with the toppings around it.
For vegetables, sautéed spinach and roasted broccoli provide nutrients, and a spicy kick can come from peppers like long Italian chilies, jalapeños, or chipotles in adobo.
Meat accompaniments add flavor and substance. If time allows, slow-cooked pulled pork or brisket pairs well with macaroni, though shredded chicken or ground beef also work.
The sauces are key: buffalo or hot sauce, barbecue, and crispy chili all add a lot of flavor. To complete the dish, toasted breadcrumbs, chives, and cheeses like blue cheese or cotija, which have a different texture than the sauce, are ideal.
The bar depends on the host, but if it has variety, guests have fun creating their own combinations.
