15+ Mac and Cheese Recipes That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Many people enjoy mac and cheese as a beloved comfort food. It can be creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

This article will provide you with a variety of delicious mac and cheese recipes that you can easily make at home.

Whether you’re looking for a classic dish or something with a twist, there’s a recipe for everyone. From stovetop versions to baked options, these recipes will help you create the perfect mac and cheese for any occasion.

1) Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting dish that brings back childhood memories. It’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to make.

To start, cook some elbow macaroni until it’s tender. While that cooks, you can prepare the cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and your favorite cheeses.

After mixing everything together, pour it into a baking dish. Then, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

This dish is perfect as a side or a main meal. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
5. Stir in cheese until melted.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Enjoy!

2) Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy delight. This recipe combines sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy blue cheese for a rich flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. Macaroni or shells work well. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a saucepan and add flour to make a roux. Then, slowly whisk in milk until it thickens.

Next, stir in the cheeses until they melt into a smooth sauce. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. You can add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Enjoy your delicious Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) blue cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until thick.
5. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese until melted.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
8. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

3) Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheese with a kick of heat. You will enjoy a rich flavor from the combination of fresh jalapeños and multiple types of cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves a bit of spice.

To make this dish, you’ll need elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, cream, and fresh jalapeños. The added crunch of crispy bacon can take it to the next level. Enjoy every gooey forkful with just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream
• 2 fresh jalapeños, diced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the milk and cream, then add the cheese until melted.
5. Mix in cooked macaroni, jalapeños, and bacon.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

4) Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic dish. It combines creamy cheese sauce with tender lobster meat for a rich flavor. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. You can use cavatappi or elbow macaroni for this recipe. Drain and set aside.

Next, make the cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Then, slowly add milk while stirring until it thickens. After that, mix in your choice of cheeses, like sharp cheddar and Gruyère for extra flavor.

Lastly, fold in cooked lobster meat. Combine everything with the pasta and pour it into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup cooked lobster meat
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta, drain, and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a pot and whisk in flour.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring until thick.
4. Mix in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted.
5. Fold in the cooked lobster meat.
6. Combine the sauce with the pasta.
7. Pour into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

5) Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese

Bacon and onion mac and cheese adds a tasty twist to the classic dish. The smoky flavor of bacon and the sweetness of onions make it special.

To start, cook some bacon in a pan until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and use the bacon fat to sauté chopped onions until they’re soft and golden.

Next, mix the cooked pasta with cheese and milk. Then, stir in the bacon and onions.

Pour everything into a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is great)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
2. In a pan, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
3. Sauté onions in bacon fat until golden.
4. In a bowl, mix pasta, cheese, milk, onions, salt, and pepper.
5. Crumble bacon into the mixture and stir.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

6) Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan mac and cheese can be creamy and delicious. You can use plant-based ingredients to create a comforting dish without dairy.

Cashews work great for the creamy base. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. You can also include your favorite spices for extra taste.

To make it, cook your pasta and blend the sauce until smooth. Then, mix the pasta and sauce together, and it’s ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (150 g) cashews, soaked
• 1/4 cup (25 g) nutritional yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
2. Soak the cashews in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.
3. Blend the cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
4. Mix the pasta with the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

7) Truffle Mac and Cheese

Truffle mac and cheese is a delicious twist on the classic dish. It combines creamy cheese with the unique flavor of truffle oil or truffle salt. This elevates the dish to a new level of taste.

To make this recipe, you can use different cheeses. Popular choices include white cheddar and Gruyère. They melt beautifully and add richness.

This dish is perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal at home. It can be ready in about 30 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 2 tablespoons of truffle oil
• 1 cup of white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup of cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, heat cream over medium heat.
3. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Add truffle oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the pasta.
6. Serve warm.

8) Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic favorite. You get creamy cheese mixed with spicy buffalo chicken for a delicious meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun party.

To start, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, prepare your chicken with buffalo sauce. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with cheese, chicken, and a little milk. Then, bake it until it’s bubbly and golden. You can also add breadcrumbs on top for some crunch!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked chicken and buffalo sauce.
4. Combine macaroni, chicken mix, cheese, and milk in a baking dish.
5. Top with breadcrumbs if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

9) White Cheddar and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

White cheddar and broccoli mac and cheese is a tasty twist on the classic dish. The creamy, sharp cheese pairs wonderfully with the crunchy broccoli. This recipe is both comforting and nutritious.

To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green.

Once your pasta and broccoli are ready, combine them in a pot. Add white cheddar cheese, milk, and some butter. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and broccoli nicely.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine pasta and broccoli.
4. Add cheese, milk, and butter; stir on low heat until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

10) Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a tasty twist on the classic dish. You’ll love how the garlic adds flavor, and the Parmesan gives it a rich, cheesy taste.

To start, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. While it cooks, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté until it’s fragrant.

Next, stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Add cheese and mix until it melts. Finally, combine the pasta with the sauce and top with more Parmesan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
2. In a large pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk while stirring.
5. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Mix in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Combine the pasta with the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper.

11) Gouda and Sausage Mac and Cheese

Gouda and Sausage Mac and Cheese is a tasty twist on the classic dish. The creamy Gouda cheese adds a rich flavor, while the sausage gives it a hearty touch. This recipe is great for dinner or a cozy night in.

You will need elbow macaroni, good quality sausage, and a mix of Gouda and cheddar cheese. It all comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound sausage, casing removed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter, then add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until it thickens.
5. Stir in Gouda and cheddar until melted.
6. Mix in macaroni and sausage. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

12) Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a tasty twist on the classic dish. It replaces some or all of the pasta with cauliflower for a healthier option. This recipe is easy to make and still very creamy.

Start by steaming or boiling the cauliflower florets until they are tender. You can then blend them with cheese, milk, and seasonings to create a rich sauce. Mix the cauliflower sauce with cooked pasta or more cauliflower, depending on your choice.

You can top it with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before baking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until everything is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil until tender.
3. Blend the cooked cauliflower with milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix with cooked pasta or more cauliflower.
5. Pour into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs or cheese, if using.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

13) Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Spinach and artichoke mac and cheese combines two favorites into one delicious dish. It has creamy cheese, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes. This meal is great for family dinners or cozy nights in.

You can make this recipe in one pot, making cleanup easy. The cheese sauce and pasta cook together, soaking up all the flavors. It’s a quick and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi or small shells
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 (12-ounce) can or jar of artichoke hearts, drained
• 3 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like mozzarella and cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and stir for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking until thickened.
5. Stir in the cheese until melted.
6. Add spinach and artichokes.
7. Mix in the pasta and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

14) Mushroom and Swiss Mac and Cheese

Mushroom and Swiss mac and cheese is a tasty twist on a classic dish. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy Swiss cheese. This recipe is simple and satisfying.

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are tender.

Once the mushrooms are ready, make a cheese sauce with flour, milk, and Swiss cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta and mushrooms until everything is well combined. Bake for a golden top.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender.
4. Make the cheese sauce with flour, milk, and Swiss cheese.
5. Combine the cooked pasta and mushrooms with the cheese sauce.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

15) Southern Style Mac and Cheese

Southern Style Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s a classic dish found at family gatherings and holiday meals. The secret is in the cheese blend that makes it rich and flavorful.

You typically use sharp cheddar cheese for its strong taste. Adding other cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese gives it a smooth texture. Make sure to use elbow macaroni for the perfect bite.

Baking it in the oven creates a delicious golden crust. You can top it with breadcrumbs for extra crunch. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Then, drain and set aside.
3. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Then, stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Next, combine macaroni with cheese sauce.
8. Pour into a baking dish. If desired, top with breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.