15 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Go Way Beyond the Blue Box

If mac and cheese is your ultimate comfort food, you are in the right place. This collection is packed with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese recipes that range from classic favorites to bold flavor twists. You will find easy stovetop options, slow cooker meals, baked versions, and fun upgrades that make dinner feel extra special any night of the week.

Kimchi Mac and Cheese

A black bowl filled with macaroni and cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, chopped green herbs, and red pepper flakes. — Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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This kimchi mac and cheese is loaded with bold umami flavor and plenty of gooey cheese. Three different cheeses create a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the tangy kick of kimchi. It is rich, cozy, and anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese With Bacon

This extra creamy mac and cheese brings serious comfort thanks to sharp cheddar, hearty rigatoni, and crispy bacon. Every bite is packed with cheesy goodness and just the right amount of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with golden toasted breadcrumbs and chopped herbs, placed on a wooden surface. — Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Creamy white cheddar and melty mozzarella come together in this cozy mac and cheese. A toasted breadcrumb topping with garlic, parsley, and lemon zest adds the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

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

Savory sausage takes this mac and cheese to the next level. It is creamy, cheesy, and filling, making it a satisfying dinner that feels extra comforting and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Macaroni pasta bathed in melty cheese sauce with breadcrumb topping. — School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback). Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This nostalgic mac and cheese tastes just like the classic cafeteria favorite. It is creamy, simple, and kid approved, bringing back all those familiar cheesy flavors you grew up loving.
Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Two white bowls filled with macaroni and cheese, each with a fork placed beside them on a white marble surface. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker mac and cheese is an easy way to get ultra creamy results with very little effort. Just add everything, give it a stir, and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with a wooden spoon, featuring creamy sauce and melted cheddar on top. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This version delivers rich, creamy mac and cheese with minimal prep. It is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

A plate of cheesy macaroni casserole with ground beef, topped with salsa and a dollop of sour cream. — Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Taco night meets mac and cheese in this fun slow cooker recipe. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and cream cheese turn pasta into a kid friendly dinner that is creamy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white ramekin filled with creamy macaroni and cheese sits on a white surface. — Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This stovetop mac and cheese is quick, creamy, and easy to make. It is a great option when you want a homemade comfort meal without a long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with green herbs, placed on a wooden table with a fork and a cloth napkin beside it. — Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pureed sweet potato gives this mac and cheese extra creaminess and a subtle sweetness. Made with almond milk, two types of cheese, and hidden spinach, it feels indulgent while sneaking in veggies.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

A pan filled with cooked macaroni mixed with ground meat, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and herbs sits on a dark cloth next to fresh basil leaves. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one pan turkey mac and cheese is hearty, cheesy, and ready in about 30 minutes. Packed with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar, it is a lighter take on a classic comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Mac and Cheese

A white plate with baked macaroni mixed with herbs, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with melted cheese, and garnished with fresh spinach leaves. A fork rests beside the plate. — Tuscan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This Tuscan style mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Spinach and sun dried tomatoes add a savory twist that makes this dish feel special but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of pasta in a creamy sauce is garnished with herbs, with a skillet and a small dish of roasted vegetables in the background. — xr:d:DAF6mFsObGs:89,j:4100943963244940604,t:24012414

This vegan pumpkin mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and packed with fall flavor. Pumpkin creates a smooth sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta for a dairy free comfort food win.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Southern mac and cheese

This baked Southern mac and cheese features layers of creamy sauce and gooey cheese. The edges turn perfectly crisp while the inside stays rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Southern mac and cheese

Best Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

This baked mac and cheese comes out creamy in the center with a lightly crisp top. The cheese sauce coats every bite, making it a reliable crowd pleasing classic.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe