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Mac and cheese is the ultimate comforting hug on a plate. If you love that cheesy, creamy pasta goodness, get ready to be wowed by these amazing new recipe twists. Think hearty sausage-loaded stout mac, decadent crab mac ‘n cheese, or a spicy chili version. These mac and cheese recipes elevate the classic to whole new levels of deliciousness. Whether cooking it for the first time or the hundredth, making mac and cheese is always a treat. With these fun flavors, you’ll fall for the dish all over again. Get ready for a new favorite mac!

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

Side view of mac and cheese.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Take standard mac and cheese to new heights with this smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta recipe. Elbow noodles pair up with gouda cheese, white cheddar, garlic, pancetta or bacon, shallots, and more, to create this seriously impressive dish. You can enjoy this grown-up mac and cheese as a side dish or as the main dish and I guarantee second helpings and clean plates!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Instant Pot creamy mac and cheese is well worth making. This creamy mac and cheese recipe is simple to prepare and is fabulous comfort food at its finest. Instant Pot Mac is always a winner.
Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Macaroni and cheese in a bread bowl on a plate.
Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The rich and creamy macaroni filling is bathed in a delicious beer-based sauce and the whole thing is served inside a pretzel roll. The panko pretzel topping adds crunch and flavor to this tasty comfort food dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

One pot taco macaroni and cheese.
One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Try this taco macaroni and cheese, which combines the best of both worlds with Mexican and Italian flavors in every bite. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes in a single Dutch oven, this dish is perfect for those cooler months when you’re in the mood for something hearty and warming.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Crab Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese in a white bowl.
Crab Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Dinner At The Zoo.

This crab mac and cheese is fresh crab tossed with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and fresh herbs for a decadent and elegant meal that’s perfect for any special occasion!
Get the Recipe: Crab Mac And Cheese

One Pan Chili Mac and Cheese

A bowl of chili mac n cheese.
One Pan Chili Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

This chili mac n cheese is the perfect meal when you crave cheesy comfort with a little spice. This easy dish also reheats well if you are lucky enough to have leftovers for lunch the following day.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chili Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked mac and cheese in a cast iron pan.
Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Burrata and Bubbles.

Elevate your barbecue spread with the ultimate smoked mac and cheese, featuring a delectable blend of cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère cheeses, topped with crispy panko crumbs. This irresistible cheesy pasta side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-have for both summer barbecues and festive holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Scooping mac and cheese from a bowl.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

This Buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe is loaded with shredded rotisserie chicken, pasta, two kinds of cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce, ready in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Spinach Artichoke Mac & Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with artichokes.
Spinach Artichoke Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Yum In The Kitchen.

This spinach artichoke macaroni and cheese combines two classic favorites, spinach artichoke dip, and the ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese!
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Mac & Cheese

Chicken Mac And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese in a skillet.
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks.

My Chicken Mac and Cheese is perfectly saucy, made with both stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar. It’s the comfort meal you’ve been craving! Try it straight out of the pot, or follow my easy additional instructions to bake it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mac And Cheese

Stout Mac and Cheese with Pronghorn Italian Sausage

Mac and cheese on a plate with a fork.
Stout Mac and Cheese with Pronghorn Italian Sausage. Photo credit: Peak To Plate.

Mac and cheese is one of the best comfort foods out there. Who can resist that gooey, cheesy sauce draped over perfectly cooked pasta? I know I can’t. Sometimes you want the classic version and sometimes you want something a little more exciting. Stout mac and cheese is a grown-up version of cheeseburger mac meets beer cheese dip mixed with spicy Italian sausage and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Get the Recipe: Stout Mac and Cheese with Pronghorn Italian Sausage

Baked Macaroni And Cheese

A delectable mac and cheese dish served in a casserole, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Baked Macaroni And Cheese. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! This easy homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe is so rich and cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Mac n Cheese

A bowl of ultra creamy mac n cheese.
Skillet Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: I Heart Vegetables.

If you are in the mood for cheesy comfort food, then this is the recipe for you. Skillet mac n cheese makes for such a satisfying and easy meal to make on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Mac n Cheese

Instant Pot Italian Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese on a white plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Italian Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Eating In An Instant.

Instant Pot Italian Mac and Cheese is a tasty cross between mac & cheese and spaghetti. It’s cheesy, creamy, saucy goodness that takes less than 30 minutes total to make!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Italian Mac And Cheese

Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese served in a bowl.
Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Eating In An Instant.

Easy cheesy Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe is a quick one-pot multicooker dinner – no need to make a separate sauce for this mac and cheese!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese

A wooden spoon is being used to scoop mac and cheese.
Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: food Lovin’ Family.

Pulled pork mac and cheese is made with a simple homemade macaroni and cheese recipe and leftover BBQ. The ultimate comfort food, is sure to become a meal the whole family will be requesting.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese

Hatch Green Chile Mac And Cheese

Cheesy broccoli casserole with mac and cheese in a baking dish.
Hatch Green Chile Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: The Jam Jar Kitchen.

Make the most of chile season with this creamy and delicious roasted hatch green mac and cheese. Your mac and cheese game will never be the same!
Get the Recipe: Hatch Green Chile Mac And Cheese

Pepperoni Mac And Cheese Skillet Recipe

Pepperoni mac and cheese in a skillet with a spoon.
Pepperoni Mac And Cheese Skillet Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Skillet – Two classic childhood favorites come together in this cheesy, gooey, pepperoni-topped, and noodle-filled baked skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Skillet Recipe is guaranteed to have your kids begging for more!
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Mac And Cheese Skillet Recipe

Cajun Mac And Cheese

Delicious mac and cheese prepared in a cast iron skillet.
Cajun Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Soup Addict.

Bring a little Southern-inspired treat to your dinner table with this kicked-up mac and cheese. Zesty spices and andouille sausage turn Cajun Mac and Cheese into a delightful twist on our favorite carby classic! It’s the best cajun mac I’ve ever had and the ultimate comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Cajun Mac And Cheese

Chick-Fil-A Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese in a blue bowl.
Chick-Fil-A Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Simply Scrumptiouseats.

The reviews are out and we are loving this at-home recipe with delicious ingredients, Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese. This from-scratch, casserole-style, side dish will be your new comfort food favorite the whole family will love. And it’s made with real cheese!
Get the Recipe: Chick-Fil-A Mac And Cheese

Green Mac and Cheese

Pesto pasta with peas and olives in a white bowl.
Green Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Healthy Fitness Meals.

Green Mac and Cheese is a nutritious twist on this creamy pasta favorite! Made with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, spinach, and peas, this dinner is a powerhouse of nutrients that kids and adults will love.
Get the Recipe: Green Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese cooked in a skillet.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Healthy Fitness Meals.

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect comforting meal you can make your family for dinner! A one-pot meal that’s tangy, creamy, easy to make, and full of protein and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese for Kids With Butternut Squash

Mac and cheese served in a white bowl.
Mac and Cheese for Kids With Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

Looking for a mac and cheese kids won’t turn away? You found it! This better-for-you version is made with a butternut squash cheese sauce (yes, real cheese in here!), nourishing bone broth & your favorite noodle shape. This healthy mac and cheese for kids is perfect to pack in a lunch bag or to whip up and enjoy at home. PS – the whole family will love it too!
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese for Kids With Butternut Squash

Easy Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cheesy mac and cheese in a white bowl.
Easy Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

Chorizo mac and cheese is such a comforting meal! We’re taking regular mac and cheese up a notch with crispy chorizo sausage, sauteed vegetables, and an easy-to-make sauce in the blender. The chorizo sausage, vegetables, pasta, and cheese sauce melt together and you’re left with a flavorful, delicious, and EASY dinner the entire family will love!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Five Cheese Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Mac and cheese on a plate with a fork.
Five Cheese Baked Macaroni And Cheese. Photo credit: Sense & Edibility.

Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is an ultra-cheesy pasta casserole side dish made with 5 different types of cheese and a unique spice blend. Your family and friends will love its creamy, rich taste. You’ll love how make-ahead and freezer-friendly it is!
Get the Recipe: Five Cheese Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Mac And Cheese Bites

Mac and Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Love from the Oven.

Mac and Cheese Bites are your favorite comfort food in bite sized form. Air fried, creamy balls of mac and cheese are crispy on the outside, and soft and cheesy on the inside. Made with just a few easy ingredients, you won’t be able to wait to pop these in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Mac And Cheese Bites

Kimchi Mac & Cheese

A quick and delicious mac and cheese recipe prepared in a skillet, perfectly stirred with a wooden spoon.
Kimchi Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

This deliciously gooey and unique mac and cheese will make you wonder why you had it any other way! This Kimchi Mac and Cheese is loaded with drool-worthy melty cheese, an irresistibly crunchy topping, and of course, bursts of refreshing kimchi that beautifully cut through the richness of cheese for a beautiful balance. There’s no going back after this Kimchi Macaroni and Cheese!
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac & Cheese

French Onion Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese casserole with croutons and parsley.
French Onion Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

French Onion Mac and Cheese is a creamy baked casserole that is bursting with caramelized onion flavor. Make this recipe tonight for the best-ever cheesy comfort food!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Mac And Cheese

Quick Instant Pot Smoked Mac And Cheese With Bacon

Instant pot mac and cheese.
Quick Instant Pot Smoked Mac And Cheese With Bacon. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

This instant pot smoked mac and cheese combines cheddar cheese with smoked gouda to make the best smoky cheese blend. Bacon is cooked in the instant pot and then crumbled over the top of the macaroni. Everything is made in an instant pot with a cooking time of only 5 minutes. This quick-smoked mac and cheese with bacon is a must-try!
Get the Recipe: Quick Instant Pot Smoked Mac And Cheese With Bacon

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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