The 2007 Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Contest has come to an end. Don’t worry, you’ll still have a chance at becoming the title holder in next year’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Contest!

The third annual Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Contest has evolved from past years and in 2007 took place during the cold weather months - when comfort food is on everyone’s mind. No longer seen as just a simple, family meal, macaroni and cheese has many gourmet varieties. In 2007 we saw thousands of recipe submissions and anticipate an even greater participation in years to come. The winning recipes featured ingredients ranging from smoked salmon and King crab, to bell peppers and butternut squash. Cook-off events were held in Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; and San Francisco, CA.

Each regional cook-off winner qualified to compete in the grand finale cook-off that took place on December 7, 2007 in Portland, OR at Hotel Lucia. The day prior to the Grand Finale cook-off, the regional winners received a personal tour of the Tillamook Cheese Visitor’s Center and a behind-the-scenes look at the cheese-making process (all travel expenses paid for them and a guest).

Our grand finale winner, Lorie Roach, of Buckatunna, Mississippi, took home $5,000 cash and title of "The Big Cheese" for her Jumbo Shell Pasta Stuffed with Baby White Cheddar and Chicken Macaroni.

To check out all of our 2007 winners and view their recipes, please visit the Winners page.