Nearly every Brown’s ShopRite in Philly (with the exception of the Haverford and Oregon Avenue stores) has an expansive hot bar with surprisingly delicious soul food fare - and their baked mac ‘n’ cheese is really, really good. But it’s truly transcendent when formed into a ball around a hunk of pulled pork, battered in breadcrumbs, and deep fried - so be sure to ask about their specials. However try the different macaroni and cheese concoctions for something different and delicious. Now there is a basic macaroni and cheese dish that will please mac ‘n cheese purists. The menu has over 24 mac ‘n cheese options to choose from. The smoked Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese on the sides menu at Mike’s is a solid choice to accompany your smoked meats no matter what. Jus’ Mac is the only restaurant on this list that is dedicated entirely to macaroni and cheese.
Drain well and toss with a small knob of the butter to stop it from sticking together. Want your mac overloaded with toppings from pesto to Buffalo chicken to potato chips and Panko breadcrumbs and served to you in a charming plastic tub? This always-packed spot is the place to get it. Cook the macaroni in salted water for 2 mins less than the stated cooking time, so it still has plenty of bite.
The creamy, crisp-topped baked mac at this iconic soul food spot - listed on their menu as “Cheesy Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese - might just be our favorite in the city.
Michael Pasquarello’s 13th Street gastropub sauces orecchiette with a blend of funky Raclette and sharp cheddar, then tops the whole thing with a showr of toasted breadcrumbs.
