Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for any age. Whether it’s that familiar blue box of mac and cheese, or a more mature blend of cheeses and flavors, this American comfort food is a crowd pleaser at any age. To celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day on July 14, dive into a bowl of these cheesy dishes around town.

Noodles & Co.

Noodles & Co. offers four varieties of mac and cheese; kids will love the Wisconsin-style (cheddar and jack cheese), barbecue pork, and buffalo chicken, and our grown-up favorite is the truffle mac with black truffle and roasted mushrooms, topped with parmesan cheese, and toasted bread crumbs. On National Mac and Cheese Day, July 14, Noodles Rewards members can snag a free small bowl of Wisconsin mac and cheese with the purchase of a regular entree. To redeem the offer, you must sign up for Noodles Rewards through their website, by July 13. 20 metro Denver locations.

Merle’s

The mac and cheese at Merle’s in historic downtown Littleton is a kid favorite, with a five cheese blend, bacon, fried chicken, and green onions (which kids can easily pick off). 2609 W. Main St., Littleton.

Mac Nation Cafe

Mac Nation’s mac menu has over 20 types of mac and cheese inspired by and named for various cities and states. Try the Colorado mac made with pork green chili, or the Las Vegas, with pork green chili, tots, bacon, and a fried egg. Veggie macs, and mini macs for kids are also available. 5510 Parmalee Gulch Rd., Indian Hills.

Rackhouse Pub mac and cheese
Rackhouse Pub’s Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese. Photo courtesy of Rackhouse Pub.

Rackhouse Pub

While beer is the main attraction at Rackhouse, there are some stellar snacks, too. Try out their mac and cheese, made with six cheeses, the fried mac balls, or what one of our editors called “the best lobster mac in town.” 2875 Blake St., Denver.

Four Friends Kitchen

Four Friend’s Little Britches menu features their house-made mac and cheese; cheddar and jack cheese with noodles served with fresh fruit, veggies, or house-made barbecue sauce. While the kids chow down on noodles, parents can try out the rest of Four Friends’ Southern inspired dishes and beignets. Two locations: the University of Denver neighborhood and Stapleton.

Recess Beer Garden

Recess is a haven for families during the day, thanks to their spacious patio, delicious bites for the family, and brews for the adults. The happy hour menu features a simply made mac and cheese with house beer cheese sauce that will delight the whole family. 2715 17th St., Denver.

Einstein Bros Bagels

You don’t often see mac and cheese on a bagel, but who are we to look a cheesy gift horse in the mouth? On July 14, guests who are members of the Schmear Society rewards program, will receive a free mac and cheese bagel with purchase. The comfort food bagel will also be rolled out into two limited-time sandwiches like the Cheesy Mac Lunch with ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo and the Cheesy Mac Breakfast with bacon, eggs, and cheddar cheese. Members can sign up for the rewards program by July 13 to receive their free mac and cheese bagel with purchase. 10 metro Denver locations.

Mac ‘n Noodles

You’d be hard pressed to find something that isn’t delicious at the Mac ‘n Noodles food truck. Try the bacon cheeseburger mac with chorizo, bacon, onions, and pickles, or the buffalo chicken mac made with hot sauce, grilled chicken, green onions, and blue cheese. Don’t miss the mac ‘n cheese bites—little balls of breaded mac and cheese with ranch dipping sauce. Check their website to find their upcoming locations.

Whole Foods Union Station

Whole Foods’ mac and cheese is fancy, and for $8.99 a pound, it better be. Every day the grocery store stocks its mac and cheese bar with eight rotating varieties like hatch chile, barbecue pork, buffalo chicken, bacon cheeseburger, carnitas, lobster, and smoked mozzarella, and even a vegan option made with Daiya cheese. 1701 Wewatta St., Denver.

mini mac and cheese
Mini mac and cheese bites.

 

Feel like doing the cooking yourself? Make your own mini mac and cheese bites. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and extra tasty to boot.