Mac and cheese lovers, this one’s for you! Whether you’re craving something creamy, crispy, cheesy, or veggie-packed, I’ve rounded up 17 amazing mac and cheese recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy. From stovetop classics to one-pot wonders and creative twists, there’s a recipe here for everyone to enjoy.

Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Why choose between chili and mac and cheese when you can have both? This one-pot recipe blends hearty, spiced chili with creamy, gooey mac and cheese to create the ultimate comfort dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This is mac and cheese in its ultimate form—rich, creamy, and baked to perfection with a golden, crispy crust. The secret lies in the mix of cheeses and the decadent cheese sauce that’s hard to resist. This one’s sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Looking for a fun twist on the classic? These mac and cheese muffins combine cheesy goodness with savory bites of ham, making them perfect for snack time or as a cute addition to your next party spread. Kids and adults alike will love these handheld delights!
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.

Quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious! This stovetop mac and cheese is creamy and dreamy, coming together in just minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner for when you want cheesy comfort without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

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.

Who doesn’t love a set-it-and-forget-it recipe? This Crock Pot mac and cheese is rich and velvety, made with minimal effort. Toss in your ingredients, press start, and come back to a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot 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.

A healthy twist doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor! Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess to this mac and cheese while boosting its protein content. It’s a guilt-free option for when you want comfort food with some nutritional benefits.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt 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.

Turn leftover turkey into an irresistible dinner with this turkey skillet mac and cheese. Tender turkey blends perfectly with melty cheese and pasta, creating a hearty and delicious one-pan dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

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

Elevate your mac and cheese game with the addition of savory, flavorful sausage. This recipe balances the smoky richness of the sausage with creamy, cheesy pasta for a bold and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage 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.

I love mac and cheese, but are you looking for something lighter? This baked cauliflower mac and cheese has all the cheesiness you crave but with a low-carb twist. It’s a tasty way to sneak in some extra veggies without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower 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.

Looking for a guilt-free version? This recipe swaps traditional pasta for tender cauliflower, making it a low-carb, veggie-packed delight. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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

Packed with fall flavors, this vegan mac and cheese uses pumpkin for a luscious and creamy sauce. Perfect for plant-based eaters or anyone wanting to try a seasonal twist!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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 days with this classic cafeteria-style mac and cheese. Simple, cheesy, and just like you remember!
Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Noodles with creamy cheese sauce and crunchy panko.
Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

You can’t go wrong with this traditional homemade recipe. With its velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s comfort food at its purest.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

A deep fried macaroni and cheese ball being dipped in marinara.
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Feeling a little adventurous? These crispy, golden nuggets of deep-fried mac and cheese are the crispy, gooey treat you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Southern Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breakcrumbs in a casserole dish.
Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Rich, baked to perfection, and oozing with flavor—Southern mac and cheese is all about indulgence. Think layers of cheese and a crispy golden topping.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Don’t want to babysit the stove? Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. This recipe delivers creamy results with hardly any effort!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

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.

Think mac and cheese can’t get any better? Think again. This version is loaded with bacon, scallions, and all your favorite toppings for the ultimate indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Loaded 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.

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