- A Complete Idiot's Guide to: Homemade Mac 'n' Cheese

In honor of the ever-changing favorite childhood after-school snack, we decided to compile a list of the best mac & cheese dishes in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

10. Sublime

We respect the whole ethical thing, but sometimes even vegans -- and lactose intolerant individuals -- need a bit of tasty mac & cheese action. Luckily, Sublime offers a conscientious option. Macaroni is coated in a cruelty-free dijon béchamel and topped with crisp panko breadcrumbs. Guilt-free and soothing: could you ask for anything more? We doubt it.

9. Tom Jenkins' Bar-B-Q

Mac & cheese is an American classic. So, it would make sense that a classic barbecue spot knows how to do it right and Tom Jenkin's definitely does. The Fort Lauderdale barbecue joint has been smoking out the surrounding area since 1990. And while we do love the barbecue, we really love the sides--most importantly, the standard mac & cheese. Sometimes you just don't want to mess with tradition.

8. The Office

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, so it goes down well in casual digs. The Office's modern gastropub aesthetic is the perfect environment for enjoying upscale macaroni and cheese: laid-back albeit somewhat refined. Luckily, the dish follows through with the feel. A simple combination of creamy cheese, al dente ziti, and savory pancetta all topped with crispy panko takes the childhood treat from nostalgic to special. It's kind of like eating mac & cheese at home -- that is, of course, if you were actually a really good chef.

7. Cut 432

One would assume that a high-end steak house would offer a high-end mac & cheese to match. Well, one would assume correctly. Cut 432, the chic Delray Beach establishment, offers a trendy, yet oh so delicious macaroni and cheese. The sensual flavor of truffle bursts through luscious cheese, creating an earthy yet ritzy combination of flavors. The plushness of the dish is only outdone by the posh surroundings -- and probably the awesome steaks.

6. Grille 401

Usually, spicing things up means getting out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, when it comes to mac & cheese, Grille 401 offers the perfect combination of classic reliability and spice in its jalapeno macaroni and cheese. The dish blends the subtle kick of chile with luxurious cream, perfectly cooked ziti pasta, crisp breadcrumbs, and old fashioned relief.

5. The Dubliner

The Irish may not be known for mac and cheese, but they are most certainly known for beer -- well, consuming it at least. So it should come as no surprise that this Irish spot adds Guinness to its cheddar, monterrey jack, and smoked gouda mac & cheese mix: creating the perfect blend of creamy and smoky with a slightly malty finish at the end. It's mac & cheese, with a touch of Irish charm.

4. S3

Generally, you don't think of comfort food when you're sitting in a swanky spot. Salads and other waist-trimming dishes are probably the first things that would come to mind. Got to impress the other good-looking professionals. If that's the case, you're definitely missing out. S3's Executive Chef Chris Miracolo is known for his variations of mac & cheese. His newest incarnation is a creamy, sweet, and smoky blend of smoked gouda, prosciutto, and spinach. And it's already become one of the new spot's number one sellers. It's not exactly waistline friendly, but it's so delicious you won't care.

3. Bash American Bistro

When it comes to home-cooked comfort food, simple is best. Sunrise's favorite inexpensive neighborhood gem is home to well-done unpretentious, casual fare and the mac & cheese follows the trend. A straightforward mix of béchamel sauce is combined with three cheeses to create a silky texture. The cheese coated macaroni is then topped with another layer of melted cheese, giving it an unfussy, homemade feel. You just wish you made it yourself.

2. Little House

Comfort food is best consumed in a homey environment. Nothing says homey like an actual house and Chef Chrissy Benoit's house is better than most. At Boynton Beach's Little House, Chef Chrissy whips up some perfectly homey mac & cheese creations every day. Comprised of actual cream, butter, cheeses, and whatever other chosen ingredients of the day, the combinations are pure perfection. And it's not too far from home-cooked prices.

1. Tipsy Boar

Sometimes you just need some richness in your life. If you're thinking about rich foods -- and high cholesterol -- cheese and lobster should be the first things that come to mind. The Tipsy Boar in Hollywood has one of the most decadent mac and cheese combos in all of South Florida. A cognac béchamel creates a flavorful base for the remaining cheese and chunks of fresh lobster, adding a slight nuttiness to the creamy sauce and sweet crustacean flavors. This is the indulgent version of comfort.

Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.

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