In honor of Mac and Cheese Day on July 14th, we asked AI to generate mac and cheese recipes that were on-trend and with maximum appeal to Gen Z consumers. After all, keeping the appeal going for the #1 pasta dish on menus requires constant innovation. It is featured on nearly 1 in 3 restaurant menus, and for good reason. According to Datassential 84% of consumers love or like it, making it a sure fire hit in any segment. 

We plugged into Datassential’s Food Studio tool to develop mac and cheese concepts with maximum appeal – looking to score high for appeal and rarity, a measure of uniqueness. After probably way too long in the rabbit hole tweaking concepts and descriptors, we came out with 3 high-scoring ideas. Can you tell which of these was made by AI?   

1. Cajun mac and cheese waffles: Andouille sausage, peppers and Cajun spice mix amp up the flavors in this cheddar-based mac, which gets chilled and crisped up on the waffle iron. An ideal accompaniment to hot-honey fried chicken and southern-style greens! Rarity score: 48

Cajun Mac and Cheese Waffles

2. Pimento mac and cheese bites: Golden bites of Nashville Hot-breaded creamy elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of pimento and cheddar cheese. Served on a sheet tray with creamy dill dipping sauce. An irresistible shareable app or bar snack! Rarity score: 49 

Nashville Hot Mac and Cheese Bites

3. Homestyle mac: House-made mac & cheese with macaroni, and rich, creamy, cheesy, ooey-gooey goodness. Topped with smoked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms and herb-toasted breadcrumbs. Rarity score: 21 

Homestyle Mac and Cheese

Pro Tip: Barilla for Professionals recently introduced Macaroni, a smooth, heavy-walled pasta shape that differs from our ridged, twisted elbow. It’s ideal for the cook-chill-reheat life of mac and cheese, and has nostalgic appeal, too. Interested in trying this new cut? 

*Answer: Both the pimento (#2) and homestyle (#3) concepts were created with AI in Food Studio! The waffles are from Boston-area Chef Zoe Adelstein.