The Most Magnificent Macaroni And Cheese Is Hiding In Albertville, Minnesota

You'll find some of the best mac and cheese in Minnesota at a joint that's tucked onto the corner of a strip mall in the li'l ol' town of Albertville. That's right, a visit to The Hen & The Hog is a visit to mac and cheese heaven.

The Hen & The Hog, somewhat improbably, opened in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was started by a group of industry veterans who dreamt of serving elevated comfort food in a casual setting.

Since its opening, the restaurant has earned plenty of acclaim from local critics and diners, alike.

And, of course, comfort food means mac and cheese.

Big mac and cheese.

Fortunately, The Hen & The Hog takes its mac and cheese very seriously. And you will not be disappointed.

Its take on this comfort classic includes thick pasta tossed in a sauce forged from cheddar, bleu, and gruyere cheeses. It's then topped with fresh herbs, bacon, crispy onion petals, and pulled pork, and served with toasted focaccia. You'll probably need a box.

The restaurant also serves a slightly less elevated - but just as delicious - version of its mac and cheese for kids.

It's not all about mac and cheese at The Hen & The Hog (although it could be).

Not surprisingly, it serves The Hen, which is the restaurant's signature chicken entree.

And it also serves The Hog, its pork chop specialty dish.

If you're looking for something closer to pescatarian, you will not go wrong with the walleye fillet.

Of course, the restaurant offers plenty of other options, including starters, sandwiches, salads, and even meatloaf.

Definitely try the hog belly bites, glazed with maple bourbon and topped with tart cherries.

Stop in on weekend mornings for a down-home brunch.

And make sure to leave room for dessert - but if you don't, you can always take it to go.

Maybe this mac and cheese is the reason Albertville is one of the happiest cities in Minnesota. Have you visited The Hen & The Hog? Do you have a favorite spot for mac and cheese in Minnesota?