Metro Detroit’s Best Mac & Cheese

December 3, 2024
mac and cheese served in black small pan

Mac and cheese has long been a beloved comfort food, but in Metro Detroit, it’s so much more than a pasta side dish. From creamy traditional recipes to innovative takes, local restaurants are elevating this cheesy favorite into an unforgettable dining experience. Here are some top spots serving mouthwatering mac and cheese that will have you coming back for more…

TRU PIZZA CO

1937 West Maple Road, Troy

Known for their gluten-free menu full of choices, Tru Pizza Co masters mac and cheese. On the menu, you’ll find vegan and regular mac options, but you’ll also spot a Mac & Cheese Pizza. Made with a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with macaroni noodles, this pizza is a cheesy concoction taken to new levels. Pair it with appetizers of breadsticks, fresh wings, or even Pizza Fries, topped with pepperoni and marinara sauce.

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CELINA’S BAR & GRILL

623 West 11 Mile Road, Madison Heights

At Celina’s Bar & Grill, mac and cheese is a menu staple. As for sandwiches, the Hog & Cheese and Brik & Cheese options are highlights. The Hog & Cheese is made on Texas Toast, and filled with barbecue pulled pork, bacon, and housemade mac and cheese goodness. Brik & Cheese has a similar vibe, with slow-cooked brisket, Celina’s BBQ sauce, and mac. The Hog & Cheese is also available in calzone and pizza forms as well. If you’d rather skip the dough and breads, the Baked Mac & Cheese is simple yet delicious, with cavatappi tossed in a cheese sauce and baked with extra cheese on top.

MCSHANE’S IRISH PUB AND WHISKEY BAR

1460 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

Located in Detroit’s Corktown district, McShane’s Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar offers hearty comfort food with an Irish influence. Their Mac-Shane’s recipe is the ultimate indulgence, featuring a blend of creamy cheeses melted over perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a crispy Goldfish cracker crust. Options range from Buffalo Chicken and Country Mac with crumbled biscuits to Shrimp & Crab topped with a crab cake and Pepper-Jack Chicken Bacon with sliced jalapeños and diced tomatoes. Alternatively, the Veggie Mac is mixed with fresh broccoli, pickled red onions, and diced tomatoes. These are served with cornbread, with a sweet honey option for many of them. Pair it with a beer or a whiskey from their extensive menu, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

CRISPELLI’S

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Crispelli’s may be famous for its artisan pizzas, but its mac and cheese holds its own on the menu. This creamy, dreamy dish is made with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses and baked to golden perfection. Pair this cheesy dish with a cup of Tomato Bisque, an order of Bosco sticks, or a fresh side salad, and you’ve got a simple yet delightful meal. With a glass of wine, this mac and cheese won’t feel anything like the iconic childhood dish. 

HOUSE OF MAC

412 West 14 Mile Road, Troy

Starting out as a food truck specializing in mac and cheese, House of Mac has recently expanded into the brick and mortar arena with a spot at Oakland Mall. Building a reputation for creative and bold renditions, House of Mac offers cheesy bowls with a variety of toppings. If you want something traditional, the O.G. Mac is a go-to, with bacon, green onions, and extra smoked cheddar cheese. On the wilder side, the Chilli Mac features housemade chili, crumbled chili cheese corn chips, and cheese, while the Tex Mex Mac is topped with Mexican seasoning, pico de gallo, and your choice of chicken or shredded pork. 

K-BLOCKS BBQ

66880 Van Dyke Avenue, Washington

40 North Washington, Oxford

At K-Blocks BBQ, mac and cheese isn’t just a side—it’s a statement. Known for their Southern-style barbecue and family-owned charm, K-Blocks brings their signature Southern flair to this classic dish. This family-owned and operated spot took inspiration from trips to the South and encouragement from their relatives. “While having a big family dinner, our late father, Ken Corbeille said, ‘Brian, this food is too darn good for only us to enjoy,” shares co-owners Michael Corbeille and Brian Knoblock. Order a side of the cheesy goodness to accompany the excellent barbecue, or check out the Piggy Mac, which is topped with pulled pork, panko breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce to finish it off. On select weekends, K-Blocks even offers mac and cheese flights, which is a must. 

k-blocks bbq mac and cheese tray
Photo courtesy of K-Blocks BBQ

HARRY’S DETROIT

2482 Clifford Street, Detroit

Harry’s Detroit is a local favorite for casual dining, and their mac and cheese is a star player. With aged cheddar cheese, this dish is simple, satisfying, and consistently delicious. The Fat Daddy Mac sandwich also stands out, with grilled Texas Toast, barbecue pulled pork, and a helping of Harry’s Mac n Cheese. Enjoy it with fresh fries alongside one of their craft cocktails or a brew with friends before a game downtown

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on September 5, 2018.

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