So Much Better Than Kraft

I’m starting to think mac and cheese in Bed-Stuy is an even more popular side dish than rice and peas.

Everywhere you go, you can get a square chunk of baked mac and cheese, a layer of bright yellow, gooey, cheesy goodness on top, and densely packed macaroni underneath.

I’m very particular about my mac and cheese. The cheese can be too hard, the macaroni overcooked. It’s easy for mac and cheese to be greasy, as well as too dry. But most importantly, its hard to find mac and cheese with a good solid flavor.

This week, I focused specifically on mac and cheese under $3, so you know you can get a filling snack with just some pocket change.

Here are some of my favorite finds in the neighborhood:

5. , 1371 Fulton

This mac-n-cheese is nothing special, except that they offer some gravy from their stew chicken on top. I was skeptical but it added a spicy, almost sweet flavor that complimented the cheesy macaroni well. 

4. Original Soldier, 1444 Fulton

This mac-n-cheese is classic- a densely packed square of cheesy, buttery macaroni, topped with a thick layer of gooey cheese, melting into the pasta.

3. , 310 Tompkins

The mac-n-cheese here has a crispy cheese layer. The pasta is filled with sweet jalapeno pepper chunks that add a delicious kick.

2. , 417 Nostrand

This mac-n-cheese is smooth and creamy. It is much less dense than the other options, making each bite cheesier and more flavorful. 

1. , 1503 Fulton

Although this mac-n-cheese is far too greasy, the flavor beats all other mac-n-cheese dishes. I personally love the flavor of fried cheese, and this dish has a layer of lightly browned cheese that is perfectly crisped. The macaroni itself is smothered in cheese and grease, resulting in a delicious guilty pleasure.