72 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes That Are Absolute Perfection

There's no wrong way to cook macaroni and cheese. You can cook it on the stovetop until tender, bake it until golden, or make a quick batch in the microwave. Either way, it'll be the most delicious dish on the dinner table!

More cheese, please!

We firmly believe there is no wrong way to make mac and cheese. Some people take the time to make it just right. make roux sauce or cook béchamel Follow all the rules and top it with a melt-in-the-mouth cheese mixture. Some people choose the simplest version, ready in minutes. Whatever your preference, choosing the right cheese is crucial, and your mac 'n' cheese will be velvety and delicious every time. Wondering where to start? This simple version, featuring classic cheddar, cooks in just four minutes in a slow cooker. And here's an added bonus: you only have to wash one pan!

Macaroni and cheese in a slow cooker

Using the pressure cooker, the pasta for this dish cooks in just 4 minutes. And when you're done, you only have one bowl to wash!

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese in a Slow Cooker

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower

This amazing, nutritious dish has the flavor of traditional Buffalo wings, but without the meat. Serve with hot sauce for friends and family who love a little heat.

Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

The fastest mac and cheese

Make this quick mac 'n' cheese when you're in a hurry and hungry. It only takes 10 minutes!

Recipe: The fastest mac and cheese

Macaroni and cheese

Ree Drummond's macaroni and cheese can be served straight from the stovetop, or baked in a greased pan until golden brown, adding more cheese.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Crispy Mac and Cheese on a Baking Sheet

Love a crispy topping on your baked macaroni and cheese? Give your cheesy dish an extra-crispy twist with this easy sheet pan recipe.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with crispy topping

Microwave macaroni and cheese

Here's another reason to love the microwave: this incredibly soft macaroni and cheese. You only need one bowl!

Recipe: Microwave mac and cheese

Mac and cheese with tomatoes

Sliced tomatoes are a refreshing addition to Ina Garten's mac and cheese.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

Vegan Mac and Cheese

This low-fat, dairy-free version of this American classic retains its signature flavor: the orange, creamy sauce contains pureed cauliflower, vegan cheddar, and turmeric. Miso paste and nutritional yeast bring out the cheese's nutty, savory flavor.

Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Classic macaroni and cheese

This casserole requires only 5 ingredients. Combine everything in a baking dish and bake in the oven until golden brown.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with shrimp scampi

Try a sophisticated take on a classic dish. Shrimp and garlic pair perfectly with pasta in a creamy sauce.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with shrimp

Mac and cheese with gnocchi

Combine your favorite Italian dish with a cheesy classic.

Recipe: Gnocchi Mac 'n' Cheese

Mac'n'Cheese with spinach and artichokes

A healthier version of a favorite side dish, this delicious mac 'n' cheese features a light sauce, whole-grain pasta, and plenty of protein.

Recipe: Easy Mac and Cheese with Artichokes and Spinach

Baked Cheddar Macaroni

Sharp cheddar macaroni is topped with bread crumbs and baked until golden brown.

Recipe: Baked macaroni and cheese

Tender mac and cheese in a saucepan

This version of a beloved dish doesn't require a flour-and-butter roux; cream cheese provides richness and volume. If the mac 'n' cheese gets tough while cooling, simply stir in a little warm water—it'll easily make it silkier.

Recipe: Creamy mac and cheese on the stovetop

The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy mac 'n' cheese has a bold flavor thanks to the combination of three cheeses. Toasted croutons provide a crisp contrast.

Recipe: Best baked mac 'n' cheese

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Mac and cheese with cauliflower and spinach

This is one of our favorite ways to add more vegetables to the menu. It's made with macaroni and cheddar, like the classic recipe, but it also includes plenty of cauliflower and spinach.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with cauliflower and spinach

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

What could be better than deep-fried mac 'n' cheese with ranch dressing? It's a dream come true—just like a treat from a carnival stand!

Recipe: Ranch-Flavored Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli

Combine cheddar, Pecorino Romano cheese and Parmesan for a rich chicken mac 'n' cheese.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli

Four Cheese Macaroni Casserole

Don't be fooled by the fact that this dish comes in slices: it's just as tender and delicious as a regular mac 'n' cheese bowl. Even better, it's made with four different cheeses: cheddar, muenster, provolone, and mozzarella.

Recipe: Mac 'n' Cheese Casserole with Double Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese

This recipe uses Havarti, yellow cheddar, and white American cheese. Hot sauce and cayenne pepper add a punch of flavor.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with crackers in the oven

Macaroni and cheese with sausage

Add the classic trio of sausage, peppers, and onions to warm mac and cheese and dinner is ready!

Recipe: Mac and cheese with sausage

Mac and cheese with broccoli and bacon

Everything is better with bacon, and this recipe proves it. Add bacon bits and broccoli florets to this creamy, cheesy mac 'n' cheese and see for yourself!

Recipe: Mac and cheese with broccoli and bacon

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower and fresh watercress add a crunchy touch to Rachel's pasta.

Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Stovetop mac and cheese with mushrooms

Use 1 lb (450 g) of button mushrooms to add a wonderful flavor to Katie Lee's pasta. When serving, serve with a slice of Taleggio cheese for extra richness and creaminess.

Recipe: Stovetop mac and cheese with mushrooms

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

The classic Buffalo chicken pasta dish includes a spicy sauce.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

Macaroni and cheese with bacon

Tyler Florence's recipe requires no peeling of the garlic or chopping of the thyme; they will impart their flavor to the milk base, after which the mixture can be strained.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with bacon

Mac and cheese

"Mac 'n' cheese is for kids." Who are we kidding when we say that? Giada De Laurentiis knows adults love this dish too. The ham chunks and melted mozzarella make it even more delicious.

Recipe: Egg noodles baked with ham and three cheeses

Mac'n'Cheese with Jalapeño

Give your pasta a little kick with jalapeño! The delicate pasta pairs well with the spicy pepper, resulting in a delicious and just-right-spicy dish.

Recipe: Creamy Jalapeño Mac 'n' Cheese

Baked Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

This mildly spicy mac 'n' cheese features macaroni and cheese, jalapeños, and a breadcrumb topping. It tastes like stuffed jalapeños!

Recipe: Baked macaroni in cheese sauce under a crust

Mac 'n' cheese with three cheeses

Salty blue cheese transforms comfort food into a sophisticated treat. Aina's secret ingredient is nutmeg, which complements the dish's flavor.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with blue cheese

Portioned mac and cheese with mushrooms

For a sophisticated version of this favorite dish, replace the cheddar with soft brie and add fresh wild mushrooms.

Recipe: Pasta in a creamy mushroom sauce with a crispy topping

Macaroni and Cheese with Pimento Peppers

Pimentos are sweet and aromatic, pairing perfectly with sharp yellow cheddar. For added heat, Rachel adds paprika and dry mustard to the béchamel sauce.

Recipe: Mac 'n' cheese with pimento peppers

Mac and cheese on the stove

Alton Brown's recipe is easy to make on the stovetop. Using just one pot, you can quickly make delicious homemade mac and cheese.

Recipe: Macaroni and cheese with egg

Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

This homemade dish gets a French twist with a combination of Gruyere cheese, ham, and toasted bread crumbs.

Recipe: Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

Mac'n'Cheese without oven

This lightened-up mac 'n' cheese is as delicious and creamy as the traditional recipe. Concentrated milk, low-fat cheddar, and Neufchâtel cheese provide the perfect texture. This creamy trio is enhanced by a secret ingredient: cooked cauliflower in the sauce.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with cauliflower sauce

Mac and cheese with baked pumpkin and chili pepper

Fresh chili peppers give the pasta a fiery flavor.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with baked pumpkin and chili

Macaroni and cheese with beef

Transform macaroni and cheese into a hearty meal by adding beef.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ground Beef

Gourmet Mac and Cheese

This elegant version of Lorraine Pascale's mac and cheese: pancetta, gorgonzola, and Parmesan create pure cheesy heaven. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, mild cheddar will also work!

Recipe: Mac and cheese with blue cheese

Baked Pasta Carbonara

This baked mac 'n' cheese contains the best elements of Italian spaghetti carbonara: rich bacon flavor, creamy grated cheese, and spicy black pepper.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Carbonara

Orzo Mac 'n' Cheese with Jalapeño

Orzo pasta, similar in appearance to rice, is topped with cheese and spicy peppers—Fresno chili and jalapeño. Serve with a velvety avocado and tomato salad.

Recipe: Orzo Mac 'n' Cheese with Jalapeño

Shells with cheese and spring vegetables

Add some veggies to your diet: this mac 'n' cheese features tender zucchini and spinach. Use pasta shells, which make great pockets for the gooey cheese.

Recipe: Spring shells with cheese

Mac and cheese with apple and sausage

Give this dish a fall twist by adding sweet apples and chicken sausage to the cheesy spread.

Recipe: Mac and cheese in apple sauce with sausages

Lobster Mac'n'Cheese

Transform macaroni and cheese into a sophisticated dish with chunks of lobster.

Recipe: Cavatappi pasta with lobster meat baked in cheese sauce

Mac'n'Cheese with pumpkin and four cheeses

The secret to this casserole is pureed pumpkin. It's rich in nutrients, imparts a vibrant orange hue, and adds a mellow flavor that complements the four-cheese blend.

Recipe: Macaroni and 4 Cheeses

Baked macaroni and cheese

Tyler Florence makes a foolproof mac 'n' cheese. He uses cheddar and Parmesan cheese, highlighting classic flavors. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven for a perfectly golden crust.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Cajun Mac and Cheese

Add andouille sausage and Cajun spices to these cheesy macaroni wheels.

Recipe: Cajun Rotelle Pasta with Cheese

Mac and cheese with baked eggs

This dish is sure to please everyone, whether it's a brunch or a late-night snack. Simply spread the warm macaroni and cheese in an ovenproof skillet, add eggs, and enjoy!

Recipe: Mac and cheese with fried eggs

Cheddar Macaroni

Rachel's baked mac 'n' cheese is based on a roux—a mixture of melted butter and flour. This allows for a cozy dish to be prepared in just half an hour.

Recipe: Mac and cheese, American-style macaroni with cheddar

Grilled mac and cheese sandwich with pulled pork

Two favorite treats, mac 'n' cheese and cheese toast, come together in one pulled pork sandwich.

Recipe: Hot sandwiches with pasta and pork

Tender mac and cheese on the stove

Nancy Fuller pairs macaroni shells with a blend of cheddar, Colby Jack, and cream cheese, which adds a creamy yet rich texture. For a pleasant kick, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a dash of hot sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon of paprika.

Recipe: Mac and cheese on the stove

Mac and cheese in creamy sauce

Melted cheese, creamy pasta, and a creamy sauce are like never before—topped with crushed potato chips. Yummy!

Recipe: Mac 'n' cheese in sticky sauce

Crab mac and cheese

You can't go wrong by combining two favorite treats in one hot casserole: crab cakes and macaroni and cheese.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with crab meat

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This dish is delicious and a great way to feed the kids some vegetables, thanks to the hidden cauliflower inside. Follow Valerie's lead and top the baked mac and cheese with crushed sour cream and cheddar potato chips for a crunchy topping.

Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Chili with macaroni and cheese

A hearty serving of chili and creamy cheddar macaroni will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese

Low calorie mac'n'cheese

This dish is just as creamy and cheesy as traditional mac 'n' cheese, but it's lower in calories thanks to low-fat cheese and skim milk.

Recipe: Baked Fusilli Pasta with Cheese

Mac and Cheese Soup

A true cold-weather soul food: a hot bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese soup.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Soup

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

This elegant mac and cheese with bacon and fresh herbs will be a hit with everyone at your family dinner party. Add a quick salad or steamed vegetables, and dinner is ready.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with bacon in the oven

Mac and cheese with broccolini and spinach

Broccolini and spinach are a green addition to Rachael Ray's Italian-style pasta. The dish also features a blend of Parmesan, zesty provolone, and sharp Asiago cheese.

Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Broccolini

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Spicy Pepper Jack cheese and cayenne pepper provide the heat. Sour cream, heavy cream, and buttermilk add richness and mellowness.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Mac and cheese with spinach and baked tomatoes

Pumpkin puree adds fiber, color, and volume, so you'll need less cheese. Whole-grain pasta and baby spinach make this dish even healthier.

Recipe: Pasta shells with low-calorie cheese sauce and baked tomatoes

Macaroni, cheese and bacon sandwich

Jeff's incredible sandwich is unlike any other cheese sandwich. Its rich filling is made from creamy macaroni and cheese and crispy bacon.

Recipe: Macaroni and Bacon Sandwich

Kugel

Crushed cornflakes add a crispy touch to this noodle casserole.

Recipe: Kugel (festive noodle casserole)

Sloppy Joe's Macaroni Casserole

Rachel's pasta with meat can be made ahead of time. Cover the assembled dish and refrigerate, then bake it just before serving.

Recipe: Sloppy Joe's Pasta and Meat Casserole

Caesar Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken

To recreate the bold flavor of Caesar dressing, Rachael Ray uses anchovy paste in this dish. For a balanced dinner, serve with shredded escarole or romaine lettuce, drizzled with lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.

Recipe: Caesar Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Use tomato paste, heavy cream, and chunks of sweet lobster tail meat to create a thick, decadent mac 'n' cheese perfect for a special occasion.

Recipe: Lobster Mac'n'Cheese

Smoked Chipotle Mac'n'Cheese

Tired of tubes or penne? Rachel recommends cavatappi (spiral-shaped pasta) for a spicy, smoky version of the traditional dish.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with smoked cheddar and chipotle peppers

Mac and cheese with cauliflower and smoked cheese

Kids won't turn down vegetables if you serve this cheese dish. The cauliflower adds great texture, but the creamy smoked Gouda cheese plays a key role.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with cauliflower and smoked gouda

Mac and cheese with broccoli and cauliflower

Instead of milk, Rachel uses sour cream, which adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with broccoli and cauliflower.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with broccoli and cauliflower

Baked macaroni and cheese

This baked mac 'n' cheese is super easy to make and perfect as a side dish or a meal for a crowd. Cream cheese adds richness and subtle flavor.

Recipe: Pasta baked in a two-cheese sauce

Mac and cheese with mushrooms and kale

Don't be surprised by the amount of kale used in this recipe. It will shrink during cooking, and it pairs perfectly with the tender pasta and shiitake mushrooms.

Recipe: Baked kale and mushroom mac and cheese

Pizza flavored Mac'n'Cheese

This dish is a true hybrid: it tastes just like pizza! Use the remaining oil from a can of sun-dried tomatoes for the topping. You can also drizzle the oil over toasted bread or pita.

Recipe: Pizza flavored Mac'n'Cheese

Mac and cheese with sausage and potatoes for breakfast

The best part of this breakfast dish is the grated potato topping. It couldn't be easier to make: thaw store-bought grated potatoes and toss with butter to crisp them up in the oven.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with sausage and fried potatoes for breakfast