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    Home » Trending

    29 Mac and cheese recipes that take comfort food up a notch

    Published: Nov 4, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Nothing beats something warm, cheesy, and baked just right. These 29 mac and cheese recipes bring new ideas to the table without making things hard. Some add bold flavor, others keep it simple, but every one delivers comfort. Each bite feels familiar but just a little more exciting!

    Loaded Mac and Cheese

    Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    There’s more going on here than just cheese and noodles. Every bite of Loaded Mac and Cheese hits with bold flavor and extra texture. This one holds its own as a full meal.
    Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and parsley, with a gold spoon resting inside the bowl.
    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A solid option when the usual recipe isn’t on the table. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese still holds that familiar creaminess and bite without feeling like a swap. Nobody misses a thing.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

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    Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
    Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    A slight shift in cheese adds depth and makes this one stand out. There’s something bold and smooth in Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese that gives it an edge. Feels just right for a dinner upgrade.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
    Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Some dishes turn leftovers into something completely new. Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese proves that familiar ingredients can feel exciting again. Makes good use of what’s already on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

    Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface.
    Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Even without traditional ingredients, comfort still finds a way. Dairy Free Mac and Cheese brings a creamy texture and clean flavor that works for everyone at the table. No compromises needed here.
    Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

    Tuscan Mac and Cheese

    A plate of macaroni with sun-dried tomatoes and a melted cheese topping, garnished with basil, on a woven placemat.
    Tuscan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

    Rich herbs and bold extras take this in a different direction. The flavors in Tuscan Mac and Cheese lean hearty and full without being too much. Feels more like a main than a side.
    Get the Recipe: Tuscan Mac and Cheese

    Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

    Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Things get more interesting when smoky flavor takes the lead. There’s no need to wait around for something bold when Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free) is on the menu. Just enough heat to keep you going back for another bite.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

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

    A little salt, a little smoke, and a whole lot of comfort packed in one dish. That’s the feel of Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta, where each bite brings balance. Works well when something heartier is needed.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

    Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

    A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with a fork, set on a marble surface next to a black and white checkered cloth.
    Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

    Some meals do better when left alone to do their thing. That’s the beauty of Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, which delivers on both ease and comfort. Always a crowd-friendly option.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

    Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

    A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
    Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

    Smooth texture and a familiar flavor keep this one in regular rotation. There’s no need to complicate things when Creamy Macaroni and Cheese hits every time. Always reliable and never boring.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

    Grown Up Mac and Cheese

    Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
    Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

    A sharper, richer take gives this one a little more personality. Grown Up Mac and Cheese leans into stronger flavors while keeping the comfort right where it belongs. Feels just right for both weeknights and weekends.
    Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

    Hamburger Mac N Cheese

    Hamburger Mac N Cheese. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

    When two everyday favorites come together, the result is anything but plain. Hamburger Mac N Cheese delivers a hearty mix of flavor that can stand on its own. People always reach for seconds without thinking twice.
    Get the Recipe: Hamburger Mac N Cheese

    Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    Spice and cheese can do a lot when they show up in the same bowl. That kick in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese turns familiar comfort into something worth talking about. Great when the table needs a little edge.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
    Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Let the pot handle the work while the flavors build. Nothing about Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese feels rushed or thrown together. It’s the kind of dish people ask for again.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

    The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    This one brings spice, cheese, and bold flavor into one pan. Every scoop of The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese packs comfort and a little fun. No extras needed on the side.
    Get the Recipe: The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

    Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

    Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Some versions bring comfort with a subtle twist, and this one does just that. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese adds depth without taking over the whole dish. A reliable way to keep things cozy but fresh.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    When quick and creamy is the goal, there’s no easier way to get there. Everything in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese comes together fast without giving up texture. One of those dishes that fits any kind of night.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Set it and forget it, then come back to something rich and reliable. Crock Pot Mac and Cheese keeps things low effort but still full of flavor. Works especially well when cooking for a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

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

    Soft pretzel, rich cheese, and creamy pasta make a strong team. Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl is playful and unexpected in the best way. Great choice for casual get-togethers.
    Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

    Sausage Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
    Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Some dishes don’t need a lot of extra explaining. The depth in Sausage Mac and Cheese comes through fast and leaves no question why it works. Makes the plate feel a lot more complete.
    Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

    Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

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

    Creaminess meets heat and crunch without holding back. Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese delivers strong flavor in every bite. Always a hit when things need a little more kick.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

    Close-up of spicy jalapeño macaroni and cheese with crispy topping.
    Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    There’s more going on here than just creamy pasta. With every forkful, Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese brings a low, steady heat that doesn’t hold back. It leaves a warm impression that sticks around.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

    The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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

    Creaminess takes center stage in this easy version. The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese checks all the boxes without taking much effort. One bite usually leads to more.
    Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

    Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

    Greek yogurt mac and cheese with peas and bacon in a white bowl.
    Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    A simple ingredient shift makes this version feel fresh without losing that creamy bite. Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese brings something a little lighter to the mix. Still hits all the right notes.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    A close up image of kimchi mac and cheese in a cocotte.
    Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Comfort gets a sharp, funky twist in this bold take. The flavor in Kimchi Mac and Cheese cuts through the richness and wakes up the whole bowl. Definitely not your average mac.
    Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

    Deep Fried Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    Crisp on the outside and soft inside, it’s built for sharing or snacking. Deep Fried Mac and Cheese offers something a little unexpected but still rooted in comfort. Hard to stop after just one.
    Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

    Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

    An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
    Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This one works when time’s tight but comfort still matters. Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese gets the job done in minutes with nothing extra needed. Solid choice for low-effort nights.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

    Southern Mac and Cheese

    Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    Rich flavor and a firm, baked finish make this a classic worth repeating. There’s a reason Southern Mac and Cheese always shows up at the table. It brings everything people expect in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

    A plate of cheesy pasta with ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and a dollop of sour cream.
    Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

    When bold seasoning meets creamy pasta, the result speaks for itself. Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese brings a bit of spice and plenty of flavor in one easy dish. Perfect for nights when something simple still needs to hit hard.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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