10+ Mac n Cheese Casserole Recipes for Cozy Family Dinners

Mac and cheese casserole is a beloved dish that combines comfort and flavor into one delicious meal. You can create warm and cheesy casseroles that are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. This versatile dish allows for many variations, making it easy to customize according to your taste preferences.

Whether you prefer a classic recipe or something with a twist, there’s a mac and cheese casserole out there for everyone. With the right combination of cheeses and toppings, you can elevate this comfort food and impress your family or friends with every bite.

Classic Cheddar Mac

Classic Cheddar Mac is a favorite comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. The creamy cheese sauce combined with tender pasta creates the perfect blend of flavors.

To start, cook your elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. This helps prevent it from getting mushy while baking.

Next, prepare the cheese sauce. Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Then, add flour and evaporated milk, and of course, your sharp cheddar cheese.

Mix the pasta with the cheese sauce and pour everything into a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. This usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes.

Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for that gooey finish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups evaporated milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente; drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour for 2 minutes.
4. Slowly add evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
5. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

2) Bacon Jalapeño Mac

Bacon Jalapeño Mac is a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese. This recipe combines creamy cheese with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the crispiness of bacon.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. Cavatappi or elbow macaroni works well. While the pasta cooks, prepare your cheese sauce.

Melt butter in a pan and add flour, stirring for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk, letting it thicken.

Mix in your choice of cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella. Then, add sautéed jalapeños and crispy bacon for flavor.

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat it thoroughly.

Transfer everything to a baking dish. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (cavatappi or elbow)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick.
5. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
6. Stir in jalapeños and bacon.
7. Combine pasta with cheese sauce.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

3) Buffalo Chicken Mac

Buffalo Chicken Mac is a tasty twist on traditional mac and cheese. It combines creamy cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack.

To make it, you start by cooking your macaroni. While that’s happening, you can prepare the buffalo chicken. Use cooked chicken mixed with your favorite buffalo sauce for that flavorful kick.

Then, mix the cooked macaroni with cheese, chicken, and a bit of hot sauce. Top it off with extra cheese and bake until bubbly. This meal is sure to satisfy cheese lovers and heat seekers alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and mustard.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and add buffalo sauce, stirring until thick.
5. Mix in cooked macaroni and chicken.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

4) Lobster Mac Delight

Lobster Mac Delight combines rich flavors and creamy textures. This dish offers a gourmet twist to classic mac and cheese. The addition of lobster elevates your comfort food experience.

Start by cooking elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the lobster. You can use cooked lobster tails for convenience.

For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in flour to create a roux. Add whole milk to make it creamy, then mix in a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère.

Finally, combine the pasta and lobster with the cheese sauce. Pour it into a baking dish and top it with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups cooked lobster meat
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni until al dente.
3. Prepare the cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheeses.
4. Combine macaroni and lobster with the sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

5) Truffle Mushroom Mac

Truffle Mushroom Mac is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese. The rich flavors of truffle oil paired with sautéed mushrooms create a comforting dish you’ll love.

To start, you’ll cook your macaroni according to the package instructions. Then, sauté mushrooms in a mix of butter and olive oil until they are tender. Adding truffle oil enhances the dish’s gourmet feel.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with your sautéed mushrooms, cheese, and seasonings. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.

This creamy, savory casserole will impress your family or guests. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni
• 4 oz Swiss cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil
• 1 cup diced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a pan, heat butter and olive oil.
4. Sauté mushrooms until tender.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, mushrooms, cheese, and truffle oil.
6. Bake until golden. Enjoy!

6) Broccoli Cheddar Bake

You can enjoy a warm and cheesy dish with Broccoli Cheddar Bake. This recipe combines the goodness of broccoli with rich cheddar flavor. It’s perfect as a side or a main meal.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. Then, prepare a creamy cheese sauce. Make sure to include garlic and onion powder for added taste.

Mix the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Next, transfer everything to a baking dish.

Top it with more cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Gradually add evaporated milk and cook until thickened.
6. Mix in cheese until melted.
7. Combine pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce.
8. Pour into a baking dish and top with more cheese and breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

7) Spinach and Artichoke Mac

Spinach and artichoke mac is a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese. This recipe blends creamy cheese with the freshness of spinach and the tanginess of artichoke hearts. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

To start, you need some cavatappi pasta. Cook it al dente in salted water.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce with cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy texture. You can mix in fresh spinach and artichokes to add flavor and nutrients.

After combining everything, pour it into a greased casserole dish. Top with extra cheese for a golden finish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

Your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma. Serve it warm for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente.
3. In a pot, combine the cheeses and let them melt.
4. Mix in the spinach and artichokes.
5. Combine the pasta with the cheese mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
7. Top with more cheese and bake for 15 minutes.

8) BBQ Pulled Pork Mac

BBQ Pulled Pork Mac combines creamy mac and cheese with flavorful pulled pork for a delicious twist. You can easily impress your family and friends with this hearty dish.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, typically elbow macaroni, until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pot and sauté some onion until it’s soft. This will add a nice flavor.

Next, mix in your cheese of choice, along with some tangy barbecue sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.

Then, fold in the cooked pasta and pulled pork.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. You can add more cheese on top if you like it extra cheesy.

Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 1 cup pulled pork
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
3. Melt butter in a pot and sauté the onion until soft.
4. Stir in cheese and barbecue sauce until smooth.
5. Mix in cooked pasta and pulled pork.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly.

9) Four Cheese Bliss

Imagine a creamy, cheesy dish that warms you from the inside out. Four Cheese Bliss combines cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta for a rich flavor.

Start by cooking your macaroni until it’s just tender.

In a pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth paste. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.

Then, mix in your cheeses until everything melts into a gooey delight.

Once the cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the macaroni in a baking dish. You can sprinkle extra cheese on top for a delicious crust.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni until al dente.
3. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually stir in milk until thickened.
6. Add all the cheeses and mix until melted.
7. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden.

10) Cajun Shrimp Mac

Cajun Shrimp Mac combines creamy cheese and zesty Cajun flavors. It’s a comforting dish you can enjoy any time.

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente.

While that’s happening, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion and bell peppers. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.

Next, cook the shrimp in a bit of Cajun seasoning until pink.

In another pot, create a cheese sauce using a mix of Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Stir in the cooked pasta and shrimp.

Top the mixture with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

3. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes.

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

5. Cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning until they turn pink.

6. In a pot, melt cheese together until smooth.

7. Mix the pasta, shrimp, and cheese sauce in a large dish.

8. Top with breadcrumbs.

9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

10. Let it cool before serving.