Winter weather is starting to roll in, and foodies everywhere are rejoicing that seasonal menus are switching to their late fall and early winter favorites. That means warm, hearty dishes — and typically, lots of cheese. If you’re truly a cheese lover, it’s likely that you’re always on the lookout for the best mac and cheese in Iowa. Well, our (delicious) research has concluded that the best mac and cheese is hiding right in plain site, at the Cheese Bar in Des Moines.

Nearly two years ago, a small slice of paradise opened up in Des Moines.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM The world-famous Cheese Shop of Des Moines was bursting at the seams with happy customers, so they opened up a second location. The Cheese Bar is dedicated to serving up the delicious dishes that the Cheese Shop had come to represent, in a full-service restaurant atmosphere.

This cozy bar instantly became a favorite of any cheesehead in Iowa.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM Day in and day out, Iowans flock to the Cheese Bar to enjoy one of their famous dishes.

Their mouthwatering mac and cheese may be the biggest draw on the menu.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM Served in a cast iron crock, their signature mac features Frisian Farms gouda, Hook’s four-year cheddar, Rustichella D’Abruzzo, and Mornay sauce. Of course, each crock is topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

If you don’t get up this way often, splurge on one of their featured mac and cheeses.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM Recently, they served up a special mac featuring hay mornay, Uplands smoked sausage, Rush Creek cheese, the award-winning (and my favorite of all time) Pleasant Ridge Reserve and pickled red onion. It was a quirky combination that locals gobbled right up!

Another special included roasted leeks, Hen of the Woods mushrooms, and fried onions.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM If you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur, you know there’s nothing better than crispy onion strings topping a melty, cheesy dish.

The classic mac is served in a cast iron crock, which means it cooks perfectly every time.

Google Local / Rick Vanderleest Melty, gooey, and cheesy inside and crispy on the top? Now that’s how you make the best mac and cheese in Iowa!

The Cheese Shop’s famous charcuterie boards made the move over to the Cheese Bar, so cheese lovers are in luck.

Google Local / M. Prueter You can start your meal off with one of these tasty spreads, sampling cheese and assorted compliments before diving into your main meal.

When the Iowa wind starts to blow, you might want to treat yourself to a gourmet grilled cheese.

Google Local / Matt B. Nothing warms you up like some crispy bread and melted cheese to dip into a tomato bisque!

Of course, like any good cheese paradise, the Cheese Bar features a wine list that’s sure to impress.

Facebook / Cheese Shop DSM They’ve got a bottle for every occasion, and they can help you find the perfect pairing for your dinner or your next cozy night in.

The Cheese Bar is located at 2925 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Facebook / Cheese Bar DSM

The world-famous Cheese Shop of Des Moines was bursting at the seams with happy customers, so they opened up a second location. The Cheese Bar is dedicated to serving up the delicious dishes that the Cheese Shop had come to represent, in a full-service restaurant atmosphere.

Day in and day out, Iowans flock to the Cheese Bar to enjoy one of their famous dishes.

Served in a cast iron crock, their signature mac features Frisian Farms gouda, Hook’s four-year cheddar, Rustichella D’Abruzzo, and Mornay sauce. Of course, each crock is topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Recently, they served up a special mac featuring hay mornay, Uplands smoked sausage, Rush Creek cheese, the award-winning (and my favorite of all time) Pleasant Ridge Reserve and pickled red onion. It was a quirky combination that locals gobbled right up!

If you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur, you know there’s nothing better than crispy onion strings topping a melty, cheesy dish.

Google Local / Rick Vanderleest

Melty, gooey, and cheesy inside and crispy on the top? Now that’s how you make the best mac and cheese in Iowa!

Google Local / M. Prueter

You can start your meal off with one of these tasty spreads, sampling cheese and assorted compliments before diving into your main meal.

Google Local / Matt B.

Nothing warms you up like some crispy bread and melted cheese to dip into a tomato bisque!

Facebook / Cheese Shop DSM

They’ve got a bottle for every occasion, and they can help you find the perfect pairing for your dinner or your next cozy night in.

Iowa is home to a ton of delicious cheese shops and dairies, and it’s easy to find tasty cheese treats wherever you go. If you’re addicted to cheese curds, make a trip out to find This Dairy Farm In Iowa With Incredible Ice Cream And Cheese Curds.

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Address: 2925 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA