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Home / Best Recipes

20 Cheesy Mac and Cheese Delights You Need to Try!

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

10/27/2025

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Hey, comfort food fanatics! Craving a warm hug in a bowl? Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort, but get ready—we’re about to elevate it! Prepare to be blown away by incredible new twists: smoky, rich crab, and even spicy chili mac ‘n cheese! These creative takes will make you fall head over heels again. Whether you’re a mac newbie or a seasoned pro, these bold flavors will send your taste buds dancing! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover your new obsession!

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

Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese! This homemade recipe is a cheesy, creamy, one-pot wonder that will have everyone begging for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s comfort food at its absolute best.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas.

side angle photo of Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas with spoon in bowl
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas recipe is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Using pantry staples, this one-pot pasta dish is essentially an elevated adult mac and cheese, perfect for a comforting and simple meal. The addition of crispy garlic basil chickpeas adds a delightful crunch and flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas.

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

taking a spoonful of Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting casserole that blends creamy macaroni and cheese with tender pulled pork. The addition of barbecue sauce and a variety of cheeses elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese being scooped out of pan after baking
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Elevate your mac and cheese game with this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe! It’s baked with sauteed mushrooms, fresh thyme, creamy mushroom soup, and loads of melty sharp white cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect as a side or a satisfying main course.
Get the Recipe: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower mac and cheese
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a creamy, dreamy, and healthy take on a classic comfort food. Using a vegan cheese sauce, cauliflower florets, and a crunchy panko topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

jalapeno mac and cheese on a spoon
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Looking for a spicy twist on a classic comfort food? This slow cooker jalapeno mac and cheese is the perfect dish! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Scoop of macaroni and cheese.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate in creamy, comforting goodness! Perfect as a side dish for holidays or potlucks, it’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. Get ready to enjoy a cheesy, delicious dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mac and Cheese

The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Eat

vegan mac and cheese in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vegan mac and cheese is so good, you won’t believe it’s dairy-free! The creamy sauce is made from cashews and nutritional yeast, and it’s packed with flavor. This is comfort food that everyone can enjoy!
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Eat

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a close up image of Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and filled with cheesy flavor from sharp and mild cheddar, a hint of mustard powder, and a crispy panko parmesan topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

cafeteria mac and cheese served in a casserole dish
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This mac and cheese recipe is sure to bring back some childhood memories! The secret ingredient is evaporated milk, which makes for the creamiest cheddar cheese sauce. Top with Italian breadcrumbs and parmesan for a golden crust.
Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

One Pot Cheesy Orzo

cheesy orzo close-up in a serving bowl with a golden spoon
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Upgrade your mac and cheese with this one-pot cheesy orzo recipe! This simple vegetarian side dish features orzo pasta cooked in broth and cream, then mixed with parmesan and cheddar cheeses for a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Orzo

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Close up of cheesy chicken penne in slow cooker.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Looking for a comforting and easy dinner? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a delicious twist on mac and cheese with added chicken. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and come home to a warm, family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Mac and Cheese Soup

Mac and Cheese Soup in a pot
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This creamy Mac and Cheese Soup is comfort in a bowl, ready in just 30 minutes! Cheesy goodness from cream cheese, cheddar, and Swiss combine with macaroni in a flavorful broth for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Soup

BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese

BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Made in one pot with minimal ingredients, this recipe combines tender pulled pork in BBQ sauce with ultra-cheesy, saucy mac and cheese for a rich and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in bowl
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is the perfect comforting dish for fall! Featuring a creamy pumpkin and cheddar cheese sauce and a crispy brown butter panko topping, this mac and cheese will be a seasonal favorite. It’s also kid-friendly and vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone!
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Kid-Friendly Mac & Cheese Recipe

wagon wheel pasta
Photo credit: Chocolate Covered Katie

This vegan mac and cheese is a cheesy, delicious, and healthy meal that both kids and adults will love. Packed with nutrition from cauliflower and carrots, this mac and cheese is a wholesome option for lunch or dinner. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and sugar-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Get the Recipe: Kid-Friendly Mac & Cheese Recipe

Protein Mac And Cheese

high protein mac and cheese.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Protein Mac and Cheese recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting classic with a healthy twist. With over 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish uses cottage cheese and protein powder to boost the protein content while keeping it creamy and delicious. Ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Protein Mac And Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

close up overhead view of smoked mac and cheese with gouda and breadcrumbs, in a cast iron skillet with a serving spoon.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Level up your mac and cheese game with this Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe! The combination of gouda and cheddar, along with a kiss of smoke, makes it an unforgettable side dish for any barbecue or cookout.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Stove Top Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Stove Top Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Stove Top Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s easy to make! Tender broccoli florets are mixed in with a rich cheddar cheese sauce and elbow pasta. It’s a fun and flavorful way to get your veggies in!
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Mexican Mac and Cheese

Mexican Mac and Cheese Bake
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Spice up your mac and cheese with this Mexican-inspired recipe! It’s packed with flavor from sausage, green chiles, and a secret ingredient cheese sauce, making it a kid-friendly and freezer-meal-ready dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

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