When it comes to comfort food mac and cheese is smack dab at the top of our list. It's hard to resist those tender noodles bathed in a rich, creamy sauce with pockets of gooey cheese nestled into every nook and cranny. While you can never go wrong with classic mac and cheese, this year we even found some clever ways to up the ante on our favorite comfort food.

You haven't lived until you've experienced this dip-meets-dinner mash-up. With four (yes, four!) cheeses, a double dose of veggies, tender pasta, and a single pot, it doesn't get much better than this easy-fancy mac and cheese.

A few big spoonfuls of bright, herby pesto makes mac and cheese a weeknight dinner suitable for summer (and beyond!).

We're always up for working an extra dose of veggies into our day and had a hunch you feel the same way. This is our favorite, and the most delicious solution. The cauliflower is transformed into a lush, super creamy sauce, then partnered with sharp cheddar and Gruyere.

If the arrival of tomato season is your cue to eat as much caprese as possible, you're going to love this mac and cheese. It starts with sharp white cheddar in a nod to classic mac and cheese, then ups the ante with a big handful of shredded mozzarella and Pecorino, along with tomatoes, basil, and a crispy panko topping.

even though there's no actual cheese in this luxe bowl, it delivers an indulgent, smooth, creamy sauce with a big cheesy flavor.

Ultra-comforting slow-cooker chili mac is the love child of macaroni and cheese and chili — perfect for the person who just can't choose. It's the best of both worlds, with lots of gooey, melted cheese and tender pasta mixed with a hearty blend of spices, meat, and beans. This is your chance to get it all in the same bowl.