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Home / Best Recipes

The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Lineup to Cheesify Your Life

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

02/12/2025

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Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this roundup proves there’s a cheesy variation for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic creamy baked mac, adventurous enough to try avocado or pesto mac, or looking for plant-based options like vegan mac and cheese, this list has it all. From Crockpot creations to Instant Pot miracles and even fried mac and cheese balls, these 18 recipes are guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. Grab your fork and let’s dive into the ultimate mac and cheese lineup!

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Mouthwatering Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy! This rich, creamy slow cooker recipe is perfect as a crowd-pleasing side dish or a cozy, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mac and Cheese

One Pot Chili Mac

Image Credit: Budget Bites

Ditch the boxed dinner! This One-Pot Chili Mac is a grown-up version of your childhood favorite, made entirely from scratch for a super filling comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chili Mac

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

A fork digging into a big bowl of Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is a spectacular, cheesy, one-pot creamy, and delicious dish! Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese with Smoky Chickpeas

Mac and Cheese with Smoky Chickpeas
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Elevate your vegan mac and cheese with smoky, savory chickpeas that pack a punch of flavor! Creamy, rich, and irresistibly comforting, this dish is a game-changer guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Get ready for a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Smoky Chickpeas

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a serving spoon digging into a dish of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Avocado Mac and Cheese

Looking down on chocolate covered s'mores clusters, one is cut in half showing marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs inside.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy—meet your new favorite comfort food: Avocado Mac and Cheese!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Whip up a quick, creamy, and irresistibly delicious vegan one-pot mac and cheese! Perfect for those busy days when you crave a comforting, homemade meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese Casserole

Scrumptious Mac and Cheese Casserole photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish everyone will be fighting over! Loaded with three kinds of cheese, irresistibly creamy, and topped with a golden, buttery Panko crust—it’s comfort food taken to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

1-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

1-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Turn dinner into a cheesy delight with this 1-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese! Picture creamy, melty white cheddar coating tender macaroni, all cooked together in one pan for the ultimate comfort food. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a quick, mouthwatering meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pan White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Panera Mac and Cheese

Panera Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with this cheesy Panera Mac and Cheese copycat recipe! Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious—every bite will have you coming back for more. Save money, skip the takeout, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home!
Get the Recipe: Panera Mac and Cheese

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Delicious Fried Mac and Cheese Balls ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These fried mac and cheese balls are the ultimate comfort food—oozing with cheesy goodness, wrapped in a crunchy golden crust. Each bite is pure bliss, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days and parties!
Get the Recipe: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Vegan Mac and Cheese Casserole

Vegan Mac and Cheese Casserole
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This baked vegan mac and cheese casserole takes comfort food to the next level! Loaded with savory veggie crumbles and tender broccoli florets, it’s packed with flavor and a boost of nutrition. Perfectly creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the ultimate dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese Casserole

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

A delightful Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a game-changer! Creamy, cheesy, and ready in no time, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a quick and delicious dinner. Say goodbye to boring macaroni and hello to a meal everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Mexican Mac and Cheese

Tasty Mexican Mac and Cheese on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Mexican mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist! Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor, it’s made with just 7 ingredients and my secret hack for the easiest, cheesiest sauce ever.Get the Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

Pesto Mac and Cheese

Pesto Mac and Cheese at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this Pesto Mac and Cheese! Rich, creamy cheese sauce meets the bold, fresh flavors of basil pesto for a deliciously gourmet twist on a timeless classic.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Mac and Cheese

Chickpea Mac and Cheese

Chickpea Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This chickpea cheese mac and cheese takes a classic comfort dish to the next level! Creamy, packed with protein, and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs, it’s the perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment. Get ready for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Scrumptious Smoked Mac and Cheese photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This rich, velvety Smoked Mac and Cheese, loaded with gooey gouda and sharp cheddar, is the star side dish your barbecues and cookouts have been waiting for!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Taco Mac and Cheese

Scrumptious Taco Mac and Cheese photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Taco Mac and Cheese is where taco night meets ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bonus: the kids will be asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Taco Mac and Cheese

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