Our Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

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5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This macaroni for this creamy, kid-friendly dish cooks up in just four minutes when using the pressure-cook setting. And after it’s been 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 Mac ‘n’ 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

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