Looking for the ultimate comfort food? These 16 mac and cheese recipes take everyone’s favorite dish to the next level. From creamy stovetop classics to baked golden perfection, we’ve got something for every craving. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cheddar or bold flavors like Greek yogurt and cauliflower, these recipes will satisfy your mac and cheese obsession.

Chili Mac and Cheese

What’s better than mac and cheese? How about mixing it with chili for an unforgettable mash-up of flavors. This hearty one-pot meal has tender pasta, gooey cheese, and that rich, smoky chili taste all coming together to keep your belly full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese being lifted from a baking dish—classic comfort food done right.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

What’s better than mac and cheese? How about mixing it with chili for an unforgettable mash-up of flavors. This hearty one-pot meal has tender pasta, gooey cheese, and that rich, smoky chili taste all coming together to keep your belly full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Three baked macaroni and cheese muffins with visible pieces of ham are arranged on a white plate, offering a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese recipes.
Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

What’s better than mac and cheese? How about mixing it with chili for an unforgettable mash-up of flavors. This hearty one-pot meal has tender pasta, gooey cheese, and that rich, smoky chili taste all coming together to keep your belly full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

When you’re short on time but craving the ultimate comfort food, this stovetop version saves the day. It’s quick, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy!
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Macaroni pasta bathed in melty cheese sauce with breadcrumb topping.
School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback). Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Take a nostalgic trip back to your school lunch days with this creamy, simple mac and cheese recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This plant-based twist is rich, creamy, and packed with seasonal pumpkin flavor. It’s a cozy dish that even non-vegans will love.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish comes together in one skillet, combining tender turkey pieces with gooey mac and cheese for a wholesome and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Hands holding a white bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese garnished with chopped herbs.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Who said comfort couldn’t be healthy? With the creamy texture of traditional mac and cheese but made low-carb using cauliflower, this dish feels indulgent while keeping things light.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Close up of macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb and parsley topping in a white bowl with a green linen on a wood cutting board.
Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A delightful blend of creamy mozzarella and sharp white cheddar creates a cheese sauce so smooth and luxurious, it’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese

A baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese topped with crispy bread crumbs and bacon bits, with a red spoon scooping out a portion.
Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Take your mac and cheese to the next level by loading it with smoky bacon, chives, and even a sprinkle of jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for something a little lighter? Adding Greek yogurt gives this mac and cheese a protein-packed creaminess while keeping it guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Greek yogurt mac and cheese with peas and bacon in a white bowl.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Looking for something a little lighter? Adding Greek yogurt gives this mac and cheese a protein-packed creaminess while keeping it guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Enjoy all the gooey, cheesy goodness with a healthier twist! Adding baked cauliflower into the mix offers an extra dose of nutrients without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make! Just toss everything into your crock pot and come back to a warm, melty mac and cheese masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Balls of mac and cheese air fried for a tasty appetizer.
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside balls are a bite-sized treat! Perfect for a fun snack, they’re super easy to whip up using your air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pairing smoky, savory sausage with cheesy pasta is the duo you didn’t know you needed. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for when you need something extra satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *