72 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes That Are Absolute Perfection
Whether you stir it on the stovetop, bake it until golden-brown in the oven or zap a quick, one-bowl version in your microwave, mac and cheese is guaranteed to be the most craveworthy dish at your dinner table.
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More Cheese, Please!
We’re firm believers that there’s no wrong way to make macaroni and cheese. Sometimes we like to start with a roux and make a creamy béchamel sauce that we can load up with a blend of melty cheeses. Other times, we opt for a low-maintenance mac that comes together in a matter of minutes. As long as you choose the right cheeses for your style of macaroni and cheese, you’ll find that it cooks up creamy and delicious every time. Looking for a place to start? This easy version sticks to classic Cheddar and cooks in just four minutes, using a multicooker. Best of all, once it’s gobbled up, you’ll only have one pot to clean!
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Cauliflower Baked Mac and Cheese
This incredible and substantial side dish has that traditional buffalo-wing flavor, but without any meat. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for your friends and family who love the heat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Baked Mac and Cheese
Quickest Mac and Cheese
Whip up this fast mac and cheese recipe when you’re in a hurry and need to fill your belly. It only takes 10 minutes to cook!
Get the Recipe: Quickest Mac and Cheese
The Pioneer Woman's Macaroni and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese
Extra-Crunchy Sheet-Pan Mac and Cheese
Love the crunchy topping on oven-baked mac? Make your cheesy pasta extra crispy with this simple sheet pan recipe.
Get the Recipe: Extra-Crunchy Sheet-Pan Mac and Cheese
Microwave Mac and Cheese
One more reason to love your microwave: this recipe for oh-so-creamy macaroni and cheese. And, you only need one bowl!
Get the Recipe: Microwave Mac and Cheese
The Barefoot Contessa's Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese
This low-fat, dairy-free version of an American classic certainly has the right look, with its creamy orange sauce, thanks to pureed cauliflower, vegan Cheddar and turmeric. We used umami-packed miso paste and nutritional yeast to evoke the savory, nutty quality of cheese.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Reach for this recipe when you want to enjoy a southern treat baked to golden brown perfection.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese
Elevate a classic with this fancy spin on mac and cheese. Shrimp and garlic are right at home with pasta in a smooth, creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Combine your favorite Italian dish with a cheesy classic.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Lightened-Up Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese
A healthy alternative to your favorite side: this delicious macaroni and cheese features a lighter sauce, whole-wheat pasta and a ton of protein.
Get the Recipe: Lightened-Up Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese
Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite: The cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out — it works like a charm.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
The Best Baked Mac and Cheese
A blend of three cheeses delivers a punch of flavor in this creamy mac and cheese. Toasted breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture contrast.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
This mac and cheese is one of our favorite ways to eat more veggies. It’s made with elbow macaroni and Cheddar cheese like the classic recipe — but has plenty of cauliflower and spinach added in too.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls
What could be better than deep-fried mac and cheese with ranch seasoning? It’s a carnival food-stand dream come true!
Get the Recipe: Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls
Chicken and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Mix Cheddar, Pecorino-Romano and Parmesan for an extra-cheesy chicken mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Bake-and-Slice Macaroni and Cheese
Don’t be fooled by this perfectly sliceable macaroni and cheese — it’s every bit as creamy and delicious as the kind you scoop into a bowl. Better yet, it’s loaded up with 4 different cheeses: Cheddar, muenster, provolone and mozzarella.
Get the Recipe: Bake-and-Slice Macaroni and Cheese
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Havarti, yellow cheddar and white American cheeses are the picks for this creamy dish that gets a kick from hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage
Fold the classic combo of sausage, peppers and onions into a savory bowl of warm, cheesy macaroni and dinner is served!
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage
Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Everything is better with bacon…and this recipe proves it. Add bacon bits and broccoli florets to your creamy, cheesy mac and we're sure you'll agree!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Rachael Ray's Cauliflower Mac N Cheese
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac N Cheese
Katie Lee's Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Mushrooms
One pound of white button mushrooms gives this stovetop mac and cheese from Katie Lee an earthy and delicious bite. When plating, serve with a slice of taleggio for an additional rich and creamy note.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Mushrooms
Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Mac N' Cheese with Bacon and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese
"The mac and cheese is for the kids." Who are we kidding when we make that statement? Giada De Laurentiis knows that we adults like mac and cheese too. The bits of ham and melted mozzarella elevate this classic pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Spice up mac and cheese night with the addition of jalapenos! The creamy pasta works well with the heat of the peppers — creating a flavorful, but not too spicy, dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese
This pleasantly spicy mac and cheese delivers on its name: The cheesy jalapeno pasta with its crunchy panko breadcrumb topping tastes just like poppers!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mini Mac and 'Shrooms
Get the Recipe: Mini Mac and 'Shrooms
Pimento Cheesy Mac
Pimentos are sweet and aromatic — perfect when paired with sharp yellow cheddar. For a bit of heat, Rachael adds paprika and dry mustard to the bechamel sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pimiento Cheesy Mac
Alton Brown's Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese
Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese
No-Bake Macaroni and Cheese
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Macaroni and Cheese
Rachael Ray's Roasted Squash Chili Mac
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash Chili Mac
Beefy Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Beefy Mac and Cheese
Lorraine Pascale's Glam Mac and Cheese
This decadent spin on mac and cheese from Lorraine Pascale incorporates pancetta, gorgonzola and parmesan to achieve the ultimate level of cheesy goodness. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, a smooth cheddar also works!
Get the Recipe: Glam Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara
The best parts of the traditional Italian dish spaghetti carbonara are found in this baked mac and cheese: richness from the bacon, creaminess from grated cheese and spice from the black pepper.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara
Rachael Ray's Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese
Spring Shells and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Spring Shells and Cheese
Apple-Sausage Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Apple-Sausage Mac and Cheese
The Barefoot Contessa's Lobster Mac & Cheese
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mac & Cheese
Ellie Krieger's Macaroni and 4 Cheeses
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and 4 Cheeses
Macaroni and Cheese
You can't go wrong with Tyler Florence's macaroni and cheese. He uses cheddar and Parmesan to play up the classic flavors. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes for a perfect golden crust.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Cajun Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese with Eggs
Whether you make this for brunch or a late-night snack, this bubbly dish is sure to be a real crowd-pleasurer. Simply spread warm mac and cheese in an ovenproof skillet, add in some eggs and dig right in!
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Eggs
Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
Rachael's baked mac and cheese utilizes a roux, or a gently cooked butter and flour mixture, as a shortcut to make this comforting dish in only 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
Grilled Mac and Cheese With Pulled Pork
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mac and Cheese With Pulled Pork
Nancy Fuller's Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Nancy Fuller combines shell pasta with a melty mixture of cheddar, Colby jack and cream cheese to infuse this stovetop mac and cheese with creamy goodness. For some surprise heat, add a heaping teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a dash of hot sauce and a 1/8 teaspoon of paprika.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese
Melted cheese, tender pasta and creamy sauce never tasted so good — this version is topped with crushed potatoes chips. Yum!
Get the Recipe: Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese
Crab Cake Mac N Cheese
Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Mac N Cheese
Valerie Bertinelli's Baked Mac and Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower
Not only is this recipe super yummy, but it’s also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables thanks to the cauliflower hidden inside. Follow Valerie's lead and top your baked mac and cheese with crushed sour-cream-and-cheddar potato chips for a crispy crunch with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower
Chili Mac and Cheese
A hearty bowl of chili and a creamy, cheddar macaroni will fulfill all your comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese
Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese Soup
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Soup
Mac Daddy Mac n' Cheese
Get the Recipe: Mac Daddy Mac n' Cheese
Mac-n-Cheese-n-Spin-occolini Bake
Get the Recipe: Mac-n-Cheese-n-Spin-occolini Bake
Spicy Macaroni and Cheese
Get the Recipe: Spicy Macaroni and Cheese
Whole Wheat Spinach Mac n Cheese with Broiled Tomatoes
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Spinach Mac n Cheese with Broiled Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese Grilled with Bacon Two Ways
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese with Bacon Two Ways
Noodle Kugel
This savory kugel gets its great crunch factor from a topping of crushed cornflakes.
Get the Recipe: Noodle Kugel
Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole
Rachael's meaty macaroni is a great make-ahead meal. The unbaked casserole can be covered and refrigerated and baked right before you're ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole
Grilled Chicken Caesar Mac
Rachael Ray uses anchovy paste to replicate the robust flavor of Caesar dressing in this mac and cheese. Serve it with shredded escarole or romaine dressed with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Mac
Lobster Mac and Cheese
The Neelys use tomato paste, heavy cream and sweet chunks of lobster tail for an extra-thick, extra-decadent macaroni and cheese that's worthy of a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Mac
Tired of macaroni or penne? Rachael recommends cavatappi (corkscrew-shaped pasta) for this spicy, smoky twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Chipotle and Cheddar Mac
Mac and Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower
Kids won't object to eating their veggies when you serve up this cheesy dish. Cauliflower lends great texture, but the creamy smoked Gouda still takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin Mac and Cheese
Rachael uses sour cream in place of milk for a tangy flavor that pairs well with broccoli and cauliflower.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin Mac n Cheese
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese — perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish — is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms
Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms
Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
You could call this mac and cheese a mash-up: It tastes just like pizza! We love using the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to make the topping. It's also great drizzled on toasted bread or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns
The best part of this breakfast-inspired mac and cheese is the hash-brown topping. It couldn't be easier: Just thaw frozen hash browns and toss them with butter so they bake up golden and crispy.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns
