There are certain things in life that were simply meant to go together:  peanut butter & jelly, fish & chips, salt & pepper, to name a few.  With some of the most amazing comfort food in the world, there is one pairing that trumps all others: mac & cheese. So let's take a look at the best mac & cheese in Vermont!

One of the best things about our beloved mac & cheese is that with just a few ingredient tweaks, chefs can make the dish completely different from all others, each with their own personal flair. No two recipes are alike and we like to try them all - with our world famous cheeses, how can we not love this classic dish?  In fact, thousands of people come to the annual VT Mac & Cheese Challenge in Windsor to taste different recipes and vote for their favorite.

Here are 13 restaurants in Vermont that serve some epic mac & cheese dishes.  Bon appetite!

13. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill - Burlington

This farm to table establishment doesn't disappoint when it comes to comfort food along with an outstanding beer selection. Their homemade Mac & Cheese is made up of many local cheeses, caramelized onions and herb bread crumbs, but you are welcome to customize it any way you like. If you're looking for where to dine in Vermont, the Farm House Tap & Grill is one of the best options around.

12. Butch + Babe’s - Burlington

Who would have thought that mac and cheese pancakes with habañero maple syrup could be so good? Butch n' Babe's manages to achieve the perfect pancake bottom, while preserving the delicious taste and texture of home-made Mac & Cheese while keeping everything crispy and light. The creativity of this combination alone will pique your curiosity, and the taste is great!

11. Two Brothers Tavern - Middlebury

Simply a great relaxed vibe, cool bar, and awesome food. Also, it's open late, which is a great time for some good old comfort food. Stay up to date with Two Brothers Tavern by checking them out online here.

10. J. Morgan’s Steakhouse

This lively steakhouse in the Capital Plaza Hotel caters to meat and seafood lovers alike. Complement your steak with a side of the classically made Mac & Cheese. Or have it as a meal on it's own. The lobster Mac & Cheese is made with an entire Maine lobster!

9. Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery - Brattleboro

You'll love this thick cut pappardelle pasta in a white wine cheese sauce with blistered grape tomatoes and crumbled bacon. What's even better is that you can pair it with one of their freshly brewed beers and, in nicer weather, you can enjoy it on their rooftop beer garden! Make sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with all that's going on at Whetstone Station in Vermont.

8. Sweetwaters - Burlington

This eclectic bistro has been a Church Street Marketplace favorite for over 30 years. In the summer you can spend hours people watching outside, and it's just as interesting on the inside. Their menu says it all when it comes to our favorite comfort dish: "Barbecue Pork Mac and Cheese -

Slow-cooked pork, béchamel sauce, Vermont cheeses, panko-herb crust; served with maple-jalapeño cornbread." Yum!

7. Kingdom Taproom - Saint Johnsbury

Beer enthusiasts and foodies alike will enjoy the Kingdom Taproom. They fill their menus with local craft beer and Vermont cheeses so you know the Mac & Cheese is going to be out of this world!

6. The Bench - Stowe

It's hard to beat a place that does ALL comfort food outstanding. The Bench is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. The beer list is extensive with a heavy emphasis on both local food and decor. If you're not in a carb overload after the Mac & Cheese, the truffle fries are not to be missed.

5. Prohibition Pig - Waterbury

Creamy, rich and oh so cheesy, the Prohibition Pig knows how to make a mean Mac & Cheese. Made with Vermont cheddar, it also has delicious local bacon. If you dine here with someone who doesn't order the Mac & Cheese (gasp!) the pimento cheese balls and brisket are not to be missed.

4. Table 24 - Rutland

Interesting menu choices, friendly service and some of the best Mac & Cheese in the Green Mountain State. The Lobster Mac is absolutely loaded with lobster! Check them out on Facebook.

3. Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen - Barre

If you really love Mac & Cheese, this place is heaven. Whether you like it plain, with bacon/jalapeno or lobster, all choices are delicious. A+ for presentation, too! For more info about this place, visit their Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen online.

2. Singleton's General Store - Proctorsville

Singleton's may be best known for its smoked meats, but in 2014 they won first place in Vermont's 2014 Annual Mac & Cheese challenge! Check out their award winning recipe here.

1. Our House Bistro - Winooski

With over two dozen types of Mac & Cheese to choose from, Our House Bistro is a dream for comfort food connoisseurs. The big favorite here is the lobster Mac & Cheese, but there are dozens of different concoctions including chicken parm to plain to crab to peanut butter and jelly (don't make a face – it’s a Thai version) to anything else you can think of that could go into a bowl of Mac n Cheese. Meals come in individually baked cast irons skillets and the portions are HUGE.

When it comes to Mac & Cheese, Vermonters have very personal and objective opinions. You may question the results, debate the order, or think we should replace some of these restaurants with places you think are more deserving. When it comes to Mac & Cheese, it would be surprising if there weren’t debates! What do you think is the best comfort food in Vermont? Let us know below.

Did we miss a restaurant that has a mouthwatering Mac & Cheese dish? What do you think are the best local restaurants in Vermont? We always read your comments and enjoy hearing what you think.