Introduction: The Legacy of Union Mac & Cheese
If you’re a mac and cheese lover, you’ve probably heard of the Clarkston Union mac and cheese—a legendary dish from Michigan. This isn’t just any baked mac and cheese; it’s a creamy, crispy-topped, restaurant-style masterpiece that has gained a cult following. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, where Kid Rock himself declared it his favorite, this union mac recipe has become a must-try for comfort food lovers.
But what makes it so special? For starters, it uses Pinconning cheese, a Michigan favorite with a rich, sharp flavor. Then there’s the creamy sauce, infused with nutmeg for an irresistible depth of taste. And, of course, the buttery panko breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this dish at home, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through every step of the Union mac recipe, from choosing the right cheeses to baking it to golden perfection. Get ready for the best Detroit-style mac and cheese you’ve ever had!
Table of Contents About Union Mac Recipe
Why This Mac & Cheese Stands Out
Not all mac and cheese recipes are created equal. What sets the Clarkston Union mac and cheese apart?
✔️ A signature blend of cheeses – The original recipe uses Pinconning cheese, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan, creating a perfectly creamy yet tangy sauce.
✔️ A rich and velvety texture – This union mac recipe relies on heavy cream and 2% milk, making it extra indulgent.
✔️ A crispy, golden crust – Topped with panko breadcrumbs, this dish achieves the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
✔️ A touch of nutmeg – The secret ingredient that enhances the cheese sauce with a subtle, warm flavor.
✔️ A layered approach – Unlike other baked mac and cheese recipes, this dish alternates pasta, cheese slices, and sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Now that you know what makes this dish special, let’s get into the details of making it at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Union Mac Recipe
To get that Clarkston Union style mac and cheese just right, you’ll need a mix of high-quality cheeses and the right seasonings. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Cheese & Dairy:
2 cups Pinconning cheese, shredded (or sharp yellow cheddar if unavailable)
1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup 2% milk
Pasta:
1 lb Penne Rigate (its ridges help hold onto the cheese sauce)
For the Roux:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
Optional: 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers:
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (the secret ingredient!)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Essential Tools for the Perfect Union Mac Recipe
To make this Union Mac Recipe , you’ll need the right tools:
A large pot – For cooking the pasta.
A whisk – Essential for making a smooth roux.
A baking dish (9×13 inch) – To layer and bake the mac and cheese.
A cheese grater – Freshly shredded cheese melts better!
A garlic press – If you want to finely mince garlic with ease.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions To Make Union Mac Recipe
1. Cooking the Pasta Just Right
First things first—get the pasta right!
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the Penne Rigate until just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). You don’t want it too soft since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Making a Rich and Creamy Roux
A good mac and cheese sauce starts with a roux, a mixture of butter and flour that thickens the cheese sauce.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
If using bacon, cook it separately until crispy, then crumble it in.
Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns a light peanut-butter color. This step prevents a raw flour taste in the sauce.
3. Creating the Flavor-Packed Cheese Sauce
This is where the magic happens!
Heat the milk and cream in a separate pot, stirring in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat and start adding the cheeses: white cheddar, Parmesan, and half of the Pinconning cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
4. Combining Everything for the Perfect Texture
Now, it’s time to bring it all together!
Let the sauce cool slightly (this prevents it from making the pasta mushy).
Gently fold the pasta into the sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.
Taste test! Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Layering for That Signature Union Styl
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the mac and cheese in the dish.
Add slices of sharp white cheddar in the middle.
Top with the remaining mac and cheese and sprinkle the rest of the shredded Pinconning cheese on top.
6. Topping with Buttery Breadcrumbs
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for an extra-crispy finish.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
7. Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake at 425°F for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
If you want an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning!).
Pro Tips for the Best Union Mac Recipe
Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it firm so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Use fresh-grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Nutmeg is key – It adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce.
For a smoky twist, try baking it in a grill for that smoked mac and cheese effect!
Fun Variations to Try (Bacon, Lobster, or Extra Cheesy?)
One of the best things about mac and cheese is how customizable it is. While the original Clarkston Union mac and cheese is already legendary, there’s no harm in experimenting! Here are some variations to try:
Bacon Lover’s Union Mac Recipe
If you’re all about smoky, salty goodness, bacon is the way to go!
- Cook 4-5 strips of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into the cheese sauce or sprinkle them between the layers.
- For even more flavor, use smoked bacon to add a slight BBQ-like taste to the dish.
- Want to get fancy? Try candied bacon—the sweet and salty combo is unreal!
Lobster Mac & Cheese (Gourmet Style!)
Want to turn this into a high-end dish? Adding lobster makes this a luxurious restaurant-style mac and cheese you’d find in top steakhouses.
- Use about 1 ½ cups of cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Gently fold it into the pasta and cheese sauce before layering in the baking dish.
- Pair it with Swiss cheese or Gruyère for an ultra-creamy, buttery texture.
Extra Cheesy Three-Cheese Mac
Are you the type of person who always wants more cheese? Go ahead and pile it on!
- Increase the amount of sharp cheddar to 3 full cups instead of 2.
- Add ½ cup mozzarella for a deliciously stretchy pull.
- Throw in some Gouda or Monterey Jack for a little creaminess with a mild, buttery flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Grill
Now, let’s talk about cooking methods. While the traditional oven-baked mac and cheese is perfection on its own, you can experiment with a grill for a smoky twist.
Oven-Baked Union Mac (Classic Method)
This is the go-to method and stays true to the original Clarkston Union Woodshop mac and cheese recipe.
Bake at 425°F for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—but keep a close eye on it!
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set properly.
Smoked Mac & Cheese on the Grill
Want that Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives smoky goodness? Try grilling it!
Prepare the mac and cheese as usual, but place it in a cast iron skillet instead of a baking dish.
Use indirect heat on a charcoal or gas grill, keeping the temperature at 375°F.
Add wood chips (hickory, applewood, or cherry) for extra smoky flavor.
Cover the grill and cook for about 30 minutes, checking for a crispy top.
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well with Union Mac Recipe?
Now that you have a perfectly cheesy, crispy baked mac, what should you serve it with? Here are some great pairings that complement the richness of this dish:
Grilled or Fried Chicken
Crispy buttermilk fried chicken or smoky grilled BBQ chicken balances out the creamy texture of mac and cheese.
Steak or BBQ Ribs
If you’re feeling indulgent, a juicy steak or fall-off-the-bone ribs go hand in hand with this restaurant-style mac and cheese.
Light and Fresh Salads
A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
Garlic Bread or Cornbread
Because, let’s be real—who doesn’t love extra carbs with their mac and cheese?
Drink Pairings
Pair this dish with a glass of Cola , or even a sweet iced tea for a true Michigan comfort food experience.
Reader Comments & Feedback: Share Your Experience!
This Union mac recipe is a favorite among home cooks, and everyone has their own twist on it. Here are some tips and tricks from other mac and cheese lovers:
💬 “I tried adding a mix of Gouda and white cheddar—absolutely amazing!” – Jenna, Detroit
💬 “Swapped out panko for crushed Ritz crackers for a butterier crust.” – Mike, Chicago
💬 “Took your advice and grilled it. WOW. Smoky flavor was on point.” – Aaron, Michigan
Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments! Did you add bacon, switch up the cheeses, or try a Clarkston Union copycat recipe? I’d love to hear what worked for you!
Final Thoughts: To Make Union Mac Recipe
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making Union Mac Recipe at home! Whether you stick to the classic Clarkston Union mac and cheese recipe or experiment with bacon, lobster, or different cheeses, you really can’t go wrong.
Let’s do a quick recap:
Start with quality cheese—Pinconning, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan.
Use a rich, creamy sauce—heavy cream + a roux = perfection.
Don’t forget the layering—pasta, sauce, cheese, repeat.
Bake until golden—crispy breadcrumbs make all the difference.
Experiment with flavors—smoky, extra cheesy, or gourmet seafood options.
This Detroit-style mac and cheese has won hearts across the country, and now you can bring that Clarkston Union magic into your kitchen.
So go ahead—grab your ingredients, get that cheese melting, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Looking for More Cheesy Comfort Food?
Try this cheesy potato casserole for another comforting, cheese-packed dish.
Learn about the best breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy topping.
Check out this baked chicken parmesan pasta for another cheesy pasta favorite.
📌 Don’t forget to pin or save this recipe for later! If you loved this guide, share it with your fellow mac and cheese fans.
Happy cooking!