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20 Mac and Cheese Recipes That’ll Make You Forget the Boxed Stuff

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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a white and orange bowl with a handle with a silver spoon stuck inside.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh so comforting. It is quick to make and can go from your pantry to the table in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Southern Mac and Cheese

A display of Southern Mac and Cheese.
Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Enjoy a bowl of rich and creamy mac and cheese, generously topped with crispy bread crumbs. This decadent dish brings the ultimate comfort to your dining table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It's sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese cut in half.
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Creamy macaroni and melty cheese coated in a crispy, crunchy batter. Satisfy your craving with this tasty appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A skillet featuring buffalo chicken mac and cheese topped with bleu cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This buffalo chicken mac and cheese features pasta in a creamy sauce topped with blue cheese. This recipe combines 2 of my favorite comfort foods in 1 great dish that is perfect for Game Day.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

A wooden spoon digs into a pan of mac and cheese with butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Evolving Table.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon is a rich and creamy twist on a classic comfort food. Made with Gruyere and cheddar cheese, blended with fresh herbs and subtle spices, this velvety smooth sauce elevates every bite. Perfect as a cozy fall side dish or a standout addition to your Thanksgiving table!
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese Burger

Close up sloppy burger with mac and cheese and beef patty.
Mac and Cheese Burger. Photo credit: The Fast Recipe.

Mac and Cheese Burgers combine two all-time favorites into one epic meal! Why choose between a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese or a juicy burger when you can enjoy both at the same time? This indulgent combo is perfect for satisfying all your comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Burger

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Casserole with lobster mac and cheese and 2 whole lobsters in background.
Lobster Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

Have you ever tried Lobster Mac and Cheese? It’s absolutely delicious! You have to give it a shot! This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, plus another 30 minutes in the oven for a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in!
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mac and Cheese

REAL Italian Mac and Cheese

Close up of cross section of baked mac and cheese.
REAL Italian Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Always From Scratch.

This Italian Mac and Cheese features a rich blend of four Italian cheeses, creating a deep, irresistible flavor in every bite. Baked to perfection, it's finished with crispy pancetta and golden breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch. This comforting dish is a must-try for cheese lovers!
Get the Recipe: REAL Italian Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Overhead view of Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

A creamy and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese delivers all the comforting flavors you love with a healthier, low-carb twist. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a lighter version of a favorite comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Kimchi mac and cheese in a white bowl with a spoon.
Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Creamy and flavorful, this Kimchi Mac and Cheese adds a tangy twist to a classic favorite. Made in just one pot and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and comforting meal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (Baked)

Baked Mac and cheese is garnished with crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (Baked). Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni. Made with three types of cheese and topped with crispy bacon bites, this hearty casserole is the ultimate indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (Baked)

Meatball Mac and Cheese

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet full of meatball mac and cheese.
Meatball Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

Packed with homemade Italian meatballs and a blend of two cheeses, this Meatball Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that works as both a hearty main course and a flavorful side. It may have a gourmet appearance, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for a cozy family meal!
Get the Recipe: Meatball Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Tuscan chicken mac and cheese in a skillet.
Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Lauren Fit Foodie.

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is rich, cheesy, and loaded with bold Mediterranean flavors in every bite! It’s a lighter take on classic comfort food, packed with protein and perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Plus, it’s a delicious way to elevate your weeknight meals without extra effort!
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese Pizza

Overhead view of Mac and Cheese Pizza.
Mac and Cheese Pizza. Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

This Mac and Cheese Pizza combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish! Creamy mac and cheese is layered on a crispy pizza crust for a fun and satisfying meal. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings for a unique twist on a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Pizza

Roasted Carrot Mac and Cheese

Overhead view of Roasted Carrot Mac and Cheese.
Roasted Carrot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Herbeevore.

A creamy and decadent mac and cheese made with a rich, velvety sauce of roasted carrots, spices, and milk—no cheese needed! This family-friendly dish is a delicious way to enjoy extra veggies without even noticing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Mac and Cheese

Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese with ham on a blue plate with the rest in the skillet in the background.
Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. This creamy, cheesy classic has been a beloved staple in American homes for generations, offering both comfort and flavor in every bite. Adding savory ham takes this timeless favorite to the next level, making it even more hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Ham Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Ricotta Mac and Cheese

Ricotta baked macaroni and cheese recipe with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and whole milk ricotta.
Baked Ricotta Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Modern Bites.

This baked ricotta mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all while being incredibly easy to make! It’s the perfect comfort food dish the whole family will enjoy, featuring tender macaroni, velvety ricotta cheese, and a generous layer of melted cheddar on top. Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Mac and Cheese

Pesto Mac and Cheese

Pesto Mac and Cheese on a plate.
Pesto Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: May Eighty Five.

A nostalgic and comforting dish, this mac and cheese recipe brings back childhood memories of creamy, buttery goodness. Inspired by a classic favorite, it’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese

A baking dish brimming with loaded mac and cheese, featuring gooey pasta topped with crispy breadcrumbs and bacon, awaits a serving spoon to scoop out a delicious portion.
Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A rich and creamy mac and cheese loaded with crispy bacon and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, ready in just 35 minutes! This ultimate comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Beefy Mac and Cheese

Cooked hamburger mac and cheese in skillet.
Beefy Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

Beefy Mac and Cheese is a quick and satisfying comfort food dish that combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with hearty ground beef and tangy tomato sauce. A touch of sour cream adds extra richness, while garlic and seasonings enhance the flavor. Made in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights!
Get the Recipe: Beefy Mac and Cheese

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