Warning: These Mac and Cheese Recipes May Cause Serious Cravings

Mac and cheese isn’t just a side dish, it’s a lifestyle. We rounded up the most drool-worthy versions of everyone’s favorite comfort food, from gooey baked classics to creative twists with pumpkin, kimchi, or sweet potatoes. Every recipe here proves that there’s no wrong way to do mac and cheese, as long as it’s extra cheesy.

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.

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This easy slow cooker mac and cheese is the ultimate lazy comfort food. Just toss everything in, give it a quick stir, and let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back and relax. Creamy, cheesy, and ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy slow cooker mac and cheese is perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. It’s rich, smooth, and filled with cheesy goodness, all with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Quick, creamy, and comforting, this stovetop mac and cheese comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a simple side that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with spinach, placed on a wooden table next to a pot and fresh spinach leaves. — Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This wholesome twist on mac and cheese blends creamy sweet potato and almond milk with two kinds of cheese for a smooth, rich sauce. Spinach sneaks in a boost of greens, making it just a little bit healthier without losing any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato 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.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a hearty, grown-up take on a childhood favorite. It’s packed with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, all ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and full of Mediterranean flair, this Tuscan mac and cheese is loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and rich flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This plant-based pumpkin mac and cheese is cozy, creamy, and full of fall flavor. It’s dairy-free but just as rich and satisfying as the classic version.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Golden and bubbly on top with a creamy, gooey center, this Southern-style baked mac and cheese is the definition of comfort. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and pure soul food.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Take your mac and cheese up a notch with this bold, flavor-packed version featuring spicy kimchi and three types of cheese. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally addictive.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese

A baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese topped with crispy bread crumbs and bacon bits, with a red spoon scooping out a portion. — Loaded Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This loaded mac and cheese has everything you love in one dish. Think crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and crunchy breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

These bite-sized mac and cheese muffins are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or snacking. The ham adds a savory touch that pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Sharp cheddar, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon come together for the ultimate comfort dish. The rigatoni shape catches every bit of cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Close up of macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb and parsley topping in a white bowl with a green linen on a wood cutting board. — Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This rich and elegant version combines mozzarella and white cheddar for a creamy base, then tops it with garlicky breadcrumbs, parsley, and a hint of lemon zest.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This vegan pumpkin mac and cheese is smooth, flavorful, and comforting. The pumpkin puree and warming spices make it a perfect fall dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Velveeta and sharp cheddar melt together for a silky, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist. A buttery panko topping adds the perfect crunchy finish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Beefy Mac and Cheese

This hearty beefy mac and cheese combines creamy pasta with savory ground beef and a touch of tangy tomato sauce. A spoonful of sour cream ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Mac and Cheese

Campfire Mac and Cheese

Cheesy, smoky, and easy to make outdoors, this campfire mac and cheese is the ultimate cozy meal after a long day outside.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Mac and Cheese

Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

This cast iron skillet mac and cheese is bubbling, cheesy perfection. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main or as a side that steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Looking for a lighter twist on the classic? This cauliflower mac and cheese keeps things low-carb while still delivering all the creamy, cheesy comfort you crave.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese