Every child knows that macaroni and cheese recipes make the ultimate meal, especially in the midst of this blustery season. But mac and cheese is not just for kids. New Year's resolutions or not, comfort food can be one of the biggest blessings in life, and these mac and cheese recipes deliver.

Mac and Cheese with Kale 

One of my resolutions this year was to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. Kale is considered a "super food," so this mac and cheese recipe is automatically upgraded to awesome. Delicious, nutritious, and easy: all the essential requirements to make the perfect dish. 

Find the perfect mac and cheese recipe here. 

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

This mac and cheese recipe uses Buffalo-style hot sauce to add a kick to the traditional cheesy course. Add some vegetables, like celery and carrots and/or onions, and it becomes a one-dish meal. That one dish is the crockpot! This meal cooks itself. 

Find the buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese and other delicious recipe ideas from 8 Tasty Crockpot Recipes for Kids. 

Pizza Mac & Cheese with Ciabatta Croutons 

What's better than mac and cheese or pizza? Mac and cheese AND pizza, of course! This mac and cheese recipe breaks down boundaries and throws the two favorites together in a delectable dish that defies and exceeds expectations. With homemade croutons and oven roasted tomatoes, it's going to be delightful.This recipe calls for mushrooms, pepperoni and olives, but can be customized to include any family's favorite pizza topping. 

Go to the Pizza Mac & Cheeese with Ciabatta Croutons recipe. 

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onions 

Rich, melty Gruyere and cheddar cheeses, crispy bacon, caramelized onions and a dash of balsamic vinegar make this recipe irresistible. It's taking some measure of self control not to lick the screen. This recipe has made its way into my weekly meal plan this week. 

Julia's Album has the recipe. 

Bacon Mac and Cheese Pie 

If the bacon and caramelized onion recipe wasn't quite indulgent enough, this bacon mac and cheese pie with bacon lattice will certainly fit the bill. Not only does the bacon lattice use eight pieces of bacon to encase the cheesy filling, but there are also five additional pieces tucked away inside the macaroni and cheese. Consult a physician before assembling this beautiful creation. 

The pie recipe can be found on Buzzfeed. 

Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Making the popular party appetizer into the main event is usually a good idea. Bacon jalapeno popper sandwiches? Yes. Queso chili? Yes. Spinach artichoke mac and cheese just makes so much sense. So much delicious sense. Fontina and Parmesan cheeses combine to make absolutely luscious dining, while white wine and nutmeg create a depth of flavor rarely achieved in a dish that takes less than an hour to make. 

The Live-In Kitchen has the full recipe. 

Non-Dairy Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

For those who suffer from a dairy allergy, mac and cheese can still be enjoyed! This recipe uses margarine, almond milk, non-dairy creamer and soy cheeses to make a five-star dairy-free dish. Cayenne pepper, pancetta, white wine, parsley and nutmeg make this dish adult comfort food at its finest.  

For the full ingredient list and methodology, visit Got No Milk. 

Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese 

Onions, peppers, strips of hearty bottom round beef and provolone cheese make this macaroni and cheese recipe unique and filling. And honestly, I can't really eat a Philly cheesesteak sandwich without making a complete mess, so perhaps this dish is the answer for a neat way to eat Philly cheesesteak with a fork! 

Find the full recipe rundown at My Fave Finds.

Mexican Macaroni and Cheese

Another fusion of two classics, nothing could go wrong with Mexican Macaroni and Cheese. Taco seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes give this dish its Mexican flair, while cheddar cheese and half a block of cream cheese make it rich, cheesy and creamy.

I Heart Eating has the recipe.  

Mac & Cheese Stuffed Brown Sugar Balsamic Portobellos 

By now I expect you have at least five or six of these amazing recipes on your meal plan, if not in your fridge. And you've run out of bowls. Behold: brown sugar balsamic portobellos laden with macaroni and cheese. No bowl. It gets better. The (leftover) mac and cheese is topped with garlic brown butter breadcrumbs and sprinkled with green onions and fresh cheese. A whole new amazing dish from old(ish) mac and cheese!

This brilliance originates from How Sweet It Is. 

Photo Credits (from Top): CraftFoxes, Snappy Gourmet, CraftFoxes, Julia's Album, Macey Foronda, The Live-In Kitchen, Got No Milk, My Fave Finds, I Heart Eating, How Sweet It Is.