30 Delicious National Mac and Cheese Day Recipes

Let’s be real. Mac and cheese is never just a side dish. It’s comfort food royalty. Creamy, gooey, cheesy, carb-loaded magic that wraps you up like a warm hug after a long day. And lucky for us, National Mac and Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to go all in.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Give your leftovers a makeover with these air fryer mac and cheese balls. They’re quick, easy, and come out perfectly crispy every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Beefy Mac and Cheese

This Beefy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo. Creamy, cheesy mac meets hearty ground beef and tangy tomato sauce, with a spoonful of sour cream for an extra boost of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful delight. Packed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and lots of cheesy goodness, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese

This creamy baked mac and cheese combines Velveeta and sharp cheddar for a velvety, cheesy sauce. Buttery panko breadcrumbs on top bake into a golden, crunchy topping.
Get the Recipe: Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese is incredibly cheesy and makes a great side dish for just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern baked mac and cheese is always a hit, especially with a secret ingredient that makes it extra creamy and rich. It’s the perfect comfort food for Sunday dinners and special holidays.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Revisit your favorite boxed mac with this Annie’s-inspired copycat. Baked to perfection, it’s creamy, velvety, and brings a nostalgic twist to a cheesy classic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

This slow-cooker taco mac and cheese is perfect for family nights. Ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and cream cheese come together for a kid-friendly meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Extra creamy and super tasty, this mac and cheese uses sharp cheddar, rigatoni to catch all the cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon for a delicious crunch.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Instant Pot Chili Mac

If you love comfort food, Instant Pot chili mac is a must. Cheesy pasta meets bold chili flavors in a hearty, quick dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chili Mac

Instant Pot Smoked Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot smoked mac and cheese blends cheddar and smoked gouda with bacon for a bold, smoky flavor. It cooks up in just 5 minutes and is packed with deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Smoked Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Loaded mac and cheese, whether topped with bacon or breadcrumbs, is rich, creamy, and perfect for Easter or any cozy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese is a rich, cheesy side dish made in your smoker. With bacon and four cheeses, it’s bursting with smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with savory sausage is the perfect way to upgrade your usual dish. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that turns out creamy and cheesy every time. Great for gatherings and busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Elevate your mac and cheese with bold cheeses and a touch of spice. It’s a cozier, more grown-up twist on the classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Chili Mac and Cheese combines two favorites in one pot. Whether you’re hosting or just need something hearty, it’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese – Two Comfort Foods, One Pot!

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock pot mac and cheese is slow-cooked to cheesy perfection. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Greek yogurt mac and cheese is lighter and healthier without sacrificing any of the creamy, cheesy comfort you crave.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

White cheddar and mozzarella mac and cheese gets a flavor boost from a crispy topping made with garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham are a fun, tasty twist that’s great for parties, lunches, or anytime you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

This slow cooker mac and cheese is effortless and delicious. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy cheesy perfection.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese

Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese features a creamy white cheddar sauce and roasted peppers. It’s a standout side dish for BBQs or southern-style meals.
Get the Recipe: Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is creamy, flavorful, and totally dairy-free. Made with pumpkin puree, nutritional yeast, and warming spices, it’s both comforting and customizable.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a quick, low-carb alternative that still delivers that creamy, cheesy satisfaction. Ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

This creamy classic takes you right back to childhood with all the nostalgic, cheesy goodness you remember.
Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

Southern Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy mac and cheese topped with crunchy breadcrumbs is comfort food at its best, ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Golden and velvety, this baked mac and cheese has a crunchy topping that adds texture to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

3 Cheese Crockpot Mac and Cheese

3 Cheese Crockpot Mac and Cheese is quick to prep and full of flavor. Just five minutes of prep and your slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Get the Recipe: 3 Cheese Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Stovetop Mac and Cheese is simple, quick, and totally satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a cheesy fix.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a wholesome upgrade from boxed dinners. Filled with veggies and real cheddar, it’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Hidden Vegetable Mac And Cheese

Hidden Vegetable Mac and Cheese sneaks in colorful veggies while staying smooth, creamy, and cheesy. It’s easy to make gluten-free or vegan with a few swaps.
Get the Recipe: Hidden Vegetable Mac And Cheese