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20 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Take It to the Next Level

Mac and cheese is one of those meals we never really grow out of. It’s easy, it’s creamy, it hits the spot—and it shows up in every season of life, from weeknight dinners to holiday tables. But if we’re still making it the same way every time, we’re missing out. Because with just a few tweaks—like swapping cheeses, adding crunch, or stirring in bold flavors—we can turn mac and cheese into something way more exciting.

These 20 recipes aren’t about fixing mac and cheese. They’re about stretching it. Some are spicy. Some are rich. Some add protein or sneak in veggies. They all start with the basics, then go somewhere new—whether that’s a quick twist on the stovetop or a full-blown baked masterpiece. We keep the comfort, but give it an upgrade.

1. Baked Mac and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumbs, Plain and Chipotle
We make half of this mac ‘n’ cheese plain, for kids, and into the other half we stir some chipotle chiles to give it a grown-up kick. Any tubular pasta will do, but we like to use cavatappi, a ridged, spiral macaroni that lends the dish a particularly festive air.
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Golden crust on top, creamy pasta underneath—exactly what boxed mac is missing.

We make a smooth cheese sauce, mix in cooked pasta, and layer on a garlicky breadcrumb topping before baking. The top gets crispy while the inside stays melty and soft. It’s just the right mix of cozy and textured.

Why it works

  • Breadcrumb topping adds crunch and contrast
  • Garlic brings depth without overpowering
  • Baking creates more structure and richness

What we need

  • Elbow macaroni
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Butter
  • Garlic-toasted breadcrumbs

2. Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese features tender pasta, a homemade luscious creamy, ooey gooey cheese sauce with pops of flavorful jalapeno, smoky bacon pieces, and is topped with a simple parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs crunchy topping.
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Bold, smoky, and just the right amount of heat.

We fold crispy bacon and sautéed jalapeños into a creamy cheddar and pepper jack sauce. It’s spicy, savory, and perfect for nights when we want our comfort food to bite back a little.

Why it works

  • Bacon adds crisp texture and saltiness
  • Jalapeños balance the richness with brightness and heat
  • Pepper jack cheese adds a melty, spicy layer

What we need

  • Elbow pasta
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • Cooked bacon
  • Fresh jalapeños

3. Truffle Mac and Cheese

Truffle Mac and Cheese – Tastes Better From Scratch
We can’t get enough of this easy but elegant Truffle Mac and Cheese recipe that’s so creamy and cheesy, with a hint of truffle flavor.
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Creamy, rich, and earthy—simple, but it tastes like a splurge.

A little truffle oil goes a long way. We stir it into a white cheddar and gruyère base, then finish in the oven for a bubbly, golden top. Serve this one when you want comfort food that feels grown up.

Why it works

  • Truffle oil adds depth with just a drizzle
  • Gruyère gives it a smooth, nutty profile
  • Great base for steak night or special occasions

What we need

  • Shell or cavatappi pasta
  • Gruyère cheese
  • White cheddar cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Truffle oil

4. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Buffalo chicken mac and cheese made with three kinds of cheese is rich and spicy, and great served as a quick-and-easy weeknight dinner.
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Shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted cheddar all in one spicy, creamy bowl.

We stir in cooked chicken and buffalo sauce to a classic cheese base, then smooth it out with cream cheese and finish with crumbles of blue cheese or ranch. It’s rich, filling, and totally addictive.

Why it works

  • Buffalo sauce cuts through the creaminess
  • Chicken turns it into a full dinner
  • Blue cheese or ranch balances the heat

What we need

  • Cooked chicken
  • Elbow or rotini pasta
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Buffalo sauce

5. Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Mac

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni And Cheese
In the South, we know that mac and cheese is worthy of the Thanksgiving table—and everyone will love this version, which includes tender spears of roasted broccoli.
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All the cheesy comfort, plus roasted greens that actually taste good.

Roasting broccoli brings out a nutty flavor and crispy texture. We fold it into cheddar mac just before baking, so it softens slightly without disappearing. It’s a great way to make a classic feel a little more balanced.

Why it works

  • Roasting deepens flavor and avoids mushy veggies
  • Broccoli soaks up cheese while keeping its shape
  • Sharp cheddar keeps the flavor bold

What we need

  • Broccoli florets
  • Elbow pasta
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Butter

6. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Extra Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese is a gourmet version of a family favorite. Everyone will love this rich & creamy casserole with tender lobster!
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Rich, buttery lobster folded into extra creamy mac—it doesn’t get more indulgent.

We stir chunks of lobster meat into a gruyère and fontina sauce, then bake until golden. This one’s meant for special nights, but it’s surprisingly simple if we’ve got pre-cooked lobster on hand.

Why it works

  • Gruyère melts smooth and pairs beautifully with seafood
  • Lobster adds richness without needing a huge portion
  • Feels upscale but still delivers full-on comfort

What we need

  • Cooked lobster meat
  • Shell pasta
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Fontina cheese
  • Heavy cream

7. BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese | Sweet Tea + Thyme
Bring this pulled pork mac and cheese to your next party! Creamy mac and cheese with that summer superstar pulled pork make for a match made in heaven!
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Sweet, smoky, and loaded with tender pulled pork—it’s dinner and comfort in one.

We layer BBQ pork into a creamy cheddar base, then top with a light breadcrumb crust. It’s tangy, rich, and perfect for using up leftovers from a weekend roast.

Why it works

  • BBQ sauce blends into the cheese instead of overpowering it
  • Pulled pork adds texture and depth
  • A crisp topping gives it the structure it needs

What we need

  • Pulled pork
  • Rotini or penne
  • Cheddar cheese
  • BBQ sauce
  • Breadcrumbs

8. Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Mac

Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions.
Welcome to what heaven looks like. (And tastes like. Totally.) If there was ever a perfect way to welcome in October, this is it. OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS. This freaking mac and cheese. Holy cow. It is delicious, full of flavor, classic enough that you can serve it to a crowd but unique enough […]
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Sweet onions and nutty cheese turn this into something special without a lot of extras.

We slow-cook onions until they’re deeply browned, then fold them into gruyère mac. The balance of sweetness and salt makes it feel like grown-up comfort food—rich, but not too heavy.

Why it works

  • Caramelized onions add natural sweetness and depth
  • Gruyère gives a smooth, subtle finish
  • Feels elevated with only a few ingredients

What we need

  • Caramelized onions
  • Cavatappi or elbow pasta
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Butter

9. Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Spinach Artichoke Mac And Cheese – What’s Gaby Cooking
Grab the recipe for this incredible Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese! It’s half mac and cheese, half spinach artichoke dip. FULLY DELISH.
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All the flavor of the classic dip—baked into a bubbling dish of pasta.

Chopped spinach and artichokes fold right into a cream cheese and mozzarella base, making it ultra-creamy with just enough tang. It’s herby, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why it works

  • Spinach and artichokes give it big flavor without extra weight
  • Cream cheese keeps it smooth and spreadable
  • Great for a potluck or holiday side

What we need

  • Frozen spinach
  • Canned or jarred artichokes
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Shell pasta

10. Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Make this cheeseburger macaroni for a quick, one-pot recipe! This homemade stovetop casserole is the best thing since hamburger helper!
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All the flavor of a cheeseburger—mixed into mac and baked with cheddar.

Ground beef, diced pickles, ketchup, and mustard go straight into the mix. It sounds strange, but it works. The beefy richness and tangy toppings blend into the sauce and make it seriously addictive.

Why it works

  • Ground beef makes it hearty and satisfying
  • Pickles and mustard cut through the richness
  • A fun twist on a classic everyone knows

What we need

  • Ground beef
  • Elbow pasta
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup or mustard

11. One-Pot Stovetop Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe | Gimme Some Oven
This delicious one-pot mac and cheese recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes with just 6 main ingredients. Perfectly cheesy and cozy!
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Fast, creamy, and everything happens in one pot—no draining, no baking.

We cook the pasta right in milk so the starch stays in the pot and helps thicken the sauce. Then we stir in cheese at the end until it melts smooth. It’s quick, creamy, and perfect when we want mac without a mess.

Why it works

  • No boiling water or separate draining
  • Starch from pasta thickens the sauce naturally
  • Fewer dishes, faster cleanup

What we need

  • Elbow macaroni
  • Whole milk
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Butter
  • Cream cheese

12. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

BEST Baked Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
Cheesy baked cauliflower mac and cheese is a great way to get your pasta fix without all of the carbs! Rich, creamy, cheesy, and easy!
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Low-carb, still cheesy, and surprisingly satisfying.

We swap out the pasta for roasted cauliflower florets and pour the same creamy cheddar sauce over top. Then it all bakes until bubbly and golden. It’s a lighter option that still feels like comfort food.

Why it works

  • Roasted cauliflower holds up in the sauce
  • Same creamy texture with fewer carbs
  • Feels indulgent without being heavy

What we need

  • Cauliflower florets
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter

13. Smoked Gouda and Bacon Mac

Smoked Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe – Chisel & Fork
Everybody loves mac and cheese but when you use smoked gouda and add some bacon, it’s hard to top this smoked gouda bacon mac and cheese.
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Deep, smoky flavor from both the cheese and the bacon.

Smoked gouda gives us a richer, slightly sweet taste that melts beautifully into a creamy base. Add crispy bacon and it becomes savory, smoky, and impossible to stop eating.

Why it works

  • Smoked gouda brings something new to the table
  • Bacon crisps up and adds a salty punch
  • Perfect for cooler nights or comfort meals

What we need

  • Smoked gouda
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Elbow pasta
  • Cooked bacon
  • Whole milk

14. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Three Cheese Macaroni Stuffed Peppers
The old classic macaroni gets a makeover in this Three Cheese Macaroni Stuffed Peppers version!
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The mac is creamy, the peppers stay crisp—it’s a full meal with a little twist.

We scoop cheesy mac into halved bell peppers and bake them until tender. The peppers add sweetness and hold everything in place. Great for meal prep or packed lunches.

Why it works

  • Peppers add structure and sweetness
  • Built-in portion control
  • Fun, colorful way to serve mac and cheese

What we need

  • Bell peppers
  • Elbow macaroni
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Milk
  • Butter

15. Mac and Cheese with Roasted Garlic and Leeks

Greek Macaroni and Cheese with Roast Garlic, Caramelized Leeks and a Side of Greek Coffee, Plus a Giveaway! | Adventures in Cooking
Learn how to make this Italian/Greek combination recipe with this Greek Macaroni and Cheese with Roast Garlic, Caramelized Leeks recipe!
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Sweet, mellow roasted garlic and soft leeks turn this into quiet, savory comfort.

Roasting garlic brings out a smooth, almost buttery flavor. When we combine it with gently cooked leeks and a creamy cheese sauce, it becomes one of those subtle dishes that just works.

Why it works

  • Roasted garlic adds flavor without sharpness
  • Leeks bring mild onion flavor and sweetness
  • It’s comforting without being too rich

What we need

  • Roasted garlic
  • Sliced leeks
  • Cavatappi pasta
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Whole milk

16. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This butternut squash mac and cheese recipe strikes the perfect weeknight balance. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s comforting and completely delicious. This mac and cheese is not so rich that you’ll get a belly ache or fall asleep immediately after dinner. This recipe is redeeming, too—it’s full of luscious roasted butternut squash, which amps up…
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Naturally sweet and velvety, with just enough cheese to keep it classic.

We roast or steam butternut squash and blend it into the sauce. It adds a golden color, smooth texture, and subtle sweetness that pairs well with sharp cheddar or fontina.

Why it works

  • Creamy without needing a ton of cheese
  • Butternut squash adds nutrients and body
  • Looks and feels indulgent

What we need

  • Butternut squash
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Shell pasta
  • Whole milk
  • Butter

17. Pesto Mac and Cheese

Pesto Mac and Cheese
Pesto Mac and Cheese is super easy, creamy, and cheesy! Made with macaroni, pesto, & havarti this creamy dish is filled with flavor.
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Fresh, herby, and totally different—but still cheesy and satisfying.

We stir pesto into the cheese sauce for a green, garlicky twist. It’s sharp, flavorful, and pairs well with mozzarella or provolone. Add a sprinkle of pine nuts on top for some crunch.

Why it works

  • Pesto cuts through the richness of the cheese
  • Adds color, freshness, and bold flavor
  • Fast and easy upgrade to a basic recipe

What we need

  • Basil pesto
  • Shell or elbow pasta
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Parmesan

18. Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is only FIVE ingredients! And its a dinner you can feel great about giving to your family!
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Beef, onions, peppers, and provolone—all packed into creamy mac.

We cook shaved steak or ground beef with onions and bell peppers, then fold it into a provolone-based cheese sauce. It’s filling, a little messy, and absolutely worth the extra step.

Why it works

  • Combines two comfort foods in one bowl
  • Peppers and onions add sweetness and texture
  • Provolone melts smooth and ties it all together

What we need

  • Shaved steak or ground beef
  • Bell peppers
  • Onion
  • Provolone cheese
  • Elbow pasta

19. Chili Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese
Tastes like Chilli Con Carne – with the added cheesy goodness of Mac ’n Cheese! My One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is on the table in just over 20 minutes.
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Mac meets chili in a baked dish that’s spicy, savory, and totally stick-to-your-ribs.

We mix cooked macaroni into beef chili, stir in cheese, and bake until it bubbles. It’s thick, bold, and makes enough to feed everyone. It’s great with hot sauce, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips on top.

Why it works

  • Chili turns it into a hearty, filling meal
  • Cheddar melts into the chili for a smooth finish
  • Stores and reheats well

What we need

  • Ground beef or turkey
  • Chili beans
  • Elbow pasta
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Tomato sauce

20. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Mac and cheese balls are a fun, delicious finger food. This mac takes cheese to the max with 3 kinds, then gets breaded and fried to golden goodness.
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Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—great for parties or leftovers.

We chill leftover mac, scoop it into balls, bread them, and fry until golden. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and seriously fun to eat. Great for dipping or serving as a side.

Why it works

  • Turns leftovers into something exciting
  • Crispy shell holds in all the melty cheese
  • Works with any mac base

What we need

  • Cold cooked mac and cheese
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

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