As kids, the hallmark of a great meal was the blue box with bright orange powdered cheese. At Houston restaurants, however, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than housemade indulgence, from hearty pasta and creamy cheese to elevated toppings that turn a nostalgic favorite into a grown-up comfort classic.
Truluck's (facing page)
The base of the King Crab Mac & Cheese is brie, which brings a rich, buttery creaminess that feels luxurious without being heavy. To make it even more decadent, guests can add king crab or lobster, elevating the dish while keeping it nostalgic and approachable. trulucks.com
Prime 131
At one of the Heights’ hottest steakhouses, the Ricotta Stuffed Mac & Cheese is not just an accompaniment to a prime steak; it is a must-order every visit. Large pasta shells stuffed with silky ricotta cheese are the star, delivering rich, comforting bites that can easily steal the spotlight from the main event. prime131.com
Turner’s Cut
Made with strozzapreti pasta and smoked Gouda cheese sauce, the Alaskan king crab mac & cheese is a favorite at Post Oak hideaway, Turner’s Cut. It is a perfectly elevated version of the classic that pairs well with either a steak or a seafood option.turnerscut.com
Loch Bar
Head to this River Oaks staple for bubbling elbow mac topped with creamy cheese. The Shells & Cheese is as simple as that. Add crab or lobster to let everyone know you appreciate the good life, then sit back and enjoy. lochbar.com