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36 Mouth-Watering Macaroni Recipes

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and these recipes take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a classic creamy version, a smoky barbecue twist, or a spicy kick, there’s something for everyone. From quick stovetop meals to slow-cooked, indulgent variations, these dishes deliver rich, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Want something unique? Try the smoked lobster mac and cheese for a gourmet experience or the fried mac and cheese bites for a crispy, party-ready snack. If you’re looking for a healthier spin, Greek yogurt or sweet potato mac and cheese keep things creamy without the extra guilt. And for spice lovers, buffalo chicken or jalapeño mac and cheese bring the heat.

No matter your mood, these recipes make it easy to enjoy mac and cheese in all its forms. Grab your favorite cheese, pick a recipe, and get cooking!

Chicken Soup with Macaroni

Chicken Soup with Macaroni. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

A warm and comforting soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and macaroni in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Soup with Macaroni

Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese

Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This rich and creamy mac and cheese features smoked lobster tails for an extra layer of flavor. A luxurious twist on a classic, perfect for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese Fondue

Macaroni & Cheese Fondue. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fun take on fondue, blending creamy, melted cheese with macaroni for a dip-able, comforting dish that’s great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni & Cheese Fondue

Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour

Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour. Photo credit: Gimme From Scratch.

This cast-iron mac and cheese skips the flour, letting a rich blend of cheeses create an ultra-creamy sauce. Topped with garlic butter croutons for crunch.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A smooth and creamy mac and cheese cooked in a Dutch oven. No grainy texture—just a rich, velvety sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A creamy, tangy macaroni salad with a touch of sweetness, packed with crunchy veggies. A must-have for barbecues, picnics, or Hawaiian-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This bold mac and cheese blends creamy pasta with crispy bacon and spicy jalapeños for a rich, slightly spicy dish that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli

Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A hearty twist on classic mac and cheese, loaded with tender ham and fresh broccoli for extra flavor and texture. A complete meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli

The Creamiest Smoked Mac and Cheese

The Creamiest Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Slow-smoked mac and cheese with a creamy, smoky flavor that takes comfort food to the next level. Ideal for backyard barbecues or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: The Creamiest Smoked Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A quick and easy mac and cheese made in the pressure cooker, featuring crispy bacon for extra savory goodness. Perfect for a fast, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Spicy buffalo chicken meets creamy mac and cheese for a bold, flavorful dish. Great for those who love heat with their comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese

Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This fiery dish combines crispy Nashville hot chicken with creamy mac and cheese, bringing heat and comfort together in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fusion of taco flavors and creamy mac and cheese, all made quickly in a pressure cooker. An easy, flavorful dinner the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese

Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Creamy mac and cheese with smoky bacon and ranch seasoning, creating a rich, tangy twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A simple, classic mac and cheese with a creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Perfect for a cozy, homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mac and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A traditional macaroni salad with a creamy dressing, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Fried Macaroni and Cheese

Fried Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these mac and cheese bites are an irresistible party snack.
Get the Recipe: Fried Macaroni and Cheese

Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese

Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky, cheesy mac and cheese made on a Traeger grill for added depth of flavor. A great side for any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with smoky flavor and just the right amount of jalapeño heat. A crowd-pleaser at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping

Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Creamy mac and cheese baked with a crispy, buttery panko topping for the perfect mix of textures.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping

Three Cheese Crock Pot Buffalo Mac n Cheese

Three Cheese Crock Pot Buffalo Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A slow-cooked mac and cheese with three kinds of cheese and a spicy buffalo sauce, making it a rich and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Crock Pot Buffalo Mac n Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Creamy mac and cheese loaded with savory sausage, making it a hearty, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A lighter take on mac and cheese, using Greek yogurt for creaminess while keeping it nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Creamy mac and cheese with pureed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, nutrient-packed twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A one-pot meal with turkey, spinach, and cheddar cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. A healthier, homemade version of a classic.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A fresh, colorful pasta salad with crunchy veggies and a creamy avocado dressing for a light, satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This ultra-creamy mac and cheese is made quickly in an Instant Pot, making it a go-to for easy comfort food.
Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoky gouda cheese and crispy pancetta take this mac and cheese to the next level. Perfect as a side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A cheesy taco-flavored pasta with ground beef, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A fun, beer-infused mac and cheese served in soft pretzel bowls—great for parties and game days.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A homemade take on Panera’s creamy mac and cheese, made with a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Leftover mac and cheese gets a crispy makeover in the air fryer, making a crunchy, cheesy snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A fully loaded mac and cheese dish packed with extra toppings like bacon, onions, and more for a next-level comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese