Introduction
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a decadent side dish for a special occasion, these 11 mouthwatering mac and cheese recipes from Eat This Not That are sure to please. From classic mac and cheese to creative variations like mac and cheese pizza and mac and cheese tacos, these recipes are sure to become family favorites. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious mac and cheese dish in no time. So get ready to indulge in some cheesy goodness and enjoy these 11 mouthwatering mac and cheese recipes!
11 Mouthwatering Mac & Cheese Recipes Way Better Than Boxed
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. But if you’re used to the boxed variety, you’re missing out on some truly delicious recipes. From classic to creative, these 11 mac and cheese recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and have you coming back for more.
1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, or a great main course. Get the recipe here.
2. Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is a quick and easy way to get your mac and cheese fix. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Get the recipe here.
3. Bacon Mac and Cheese
This bacon mac and cheese is a delicious twist on the classic. The smoky bacon adds a delicious flavor and the creamy cheese sauce is the perfect complement. Get the recipe here.
4. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a delicious combination of two classic comfort foods. The spicy buffalo sauce adds a kick of flavor and the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together. Get the recipe here.
5. Cheesy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This cheesy broccoli mac and cheese is a delicious way to get your veggies in. The broccoli adds a nice crunch and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. Get the recipe here.
6. Cheesy Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
This cheesy jalapeno mac and cheese is a delicious way to spice up your mac and cheese. The jalapenos add a nice kick of heat and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. Get the recipe here.
7. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
This cheesy bacon ranch mac and cheese is a delicious twist on the classic. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and the ranch dressing adds a nice tang. Get the recipe here.
8. Cheesy Spinach Mac and Cheese
This cheesy spinach mac and cheese is a delicious way to get your greens in. The spinach adds a nice crunch and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. Get the recipe here.
9. Cheesy Ham and Pea Mac and Cheese
This cheesy ham and pea mac and cheese is a delicious way to get your protein in. The ham adds a nice smoky flavor and the peas add a nice crunch. Get the recipe here.
10. Cheesy Chili Mac and Cheese
This cheesy chili mac and cheese is a delicious way to spice up your mac and cheese. The chili adds a nice kick of heat and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. Get the recipe here.
11. Cheesy Bacon Mac and Cheese
This cheesy bacon mac and cheese is a delicious twist on the classic. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. Get the recipe here.
So the next time you’re craving mac and cheese, skip the boxed variety and try one of these delicious recipes. You won’t be disappointed!
Creamy, comforting, and classic, mac and cheese is one of the most popular dishes out there. Whether you need to whip up a meal in a pinch or crave a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down, this perfectly cheesy, salty meal is a tried-and-true option that almost never disappoints.
But while boxed mac and cheese may offer convenience, nothing beats a home-cooked bowl of mac. And since July 14 happens to be National Mac and Cheese Day, we rounded up 11 delicious mac and cheese recipes you’ll want to make ASAP.
Kick your mac and cheese up a notch by giving it some heat. Between the spiciness of the jalapeños and the smokiness of the prosciutto, this recipe is jam-packed with flavorful fixings that are sure to satisfy. Plus, unlike many mac and cheese dishes that have a base of cream and butter, this recipe starts with a béchamel sauce, which is made with butter, flour, and milk—a lower-calorie alternative.
Get our recipe for Spicy Macaroni and Cheese With Jalapeños and Prosciutto.
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This mac and cheese recipe is a lighter take on the classic comfort food, combining a lower-fat béchamel base with extra-sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan, and Greek yogurt. And what homemade mac and cheese dish would be complete without a golden brown layer of crispy breadcrumbs?
Get our recipe for Healthier Mac and Cheese.
Give your mac and cheese a nutritional boost by adding in some veggies and protein. While this recipe calls for spinach, ham, and cherry tomatoes, you can tailor it to your liking by swapping in some broccoli for the spinach, turkey for the ham, and so on. When it comes to mac and cheese, there really are no rules!
Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese With Spinach, Ham, and Tomato.
Who said muffin tins were only for desserts? These individually portioned mac and cheese bites sneak in some nutrients by replacing regular noodles with vegetable elbow macaroni. For an additional burst of veggies, feel free to sprinkle some greens into the cups.
Get our recipe for Crispy Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups.
Cracker Barrel’s mac and cheese is a fan-favorite menu item, but why leave your house to go to the restaurant if you don’t have to? Made with a creamy Colby cheese sauce, this dish is so iconic that we had to replicate it at home.
Get our recipe for Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese.
Cracker Barrel isn’t the only restaurant chain with a cherished mac and cheese dish. This copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s Fried Mac and Cheese has an uncanny resemblance to the original. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these fried mac and cheese balls are best served with a side of marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Get the recipe from Lil Luna.
Cauliflower has been having a moment for several years now—and for good reason. It’s a high-fiber, low-carb, versatile ingredient that can be swapped into countless recipes. While this technically isn’t macaroni and cheese, it’s a satisfying alternative for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake while still indulging in something cheesy.
Get our recipe for Creamy Instant Pot Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese.
Just because you don’t eat gluten doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy mac and cheese. This cheesy gluten-free version is made with aged gruyere, parmesan, and Swiss Chard and is topped with gluten-free breadcrumbs and fresh sage for added flavor and texture.
Get the recipe for Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Chard and Sage Breadcrumbs.
If you’re looking for another recipe where you can seamlessly incorporate a vegetable, this one is for you. This mac and cheese dish combines silky butternut squash with cheddar and parmesan cheese for an easy-to-make comfort meal.
Get the recipe from Flour On My Face.
For a vegan twist on the cheesy dish, blend up this plant-based “cheese” sauce, which is made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, almond milk, and spices. To pack some heat, you can add one jalapeño pepper to the sauce.
Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Buffalo chicken meets mac and cheese in one perfect dish. From the shredded chicken tossed in creamy blue cheese dressing to the buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and spices, this mac and cheese is layered with tangy and savory flavors.
Get the recipe from The Cozy Cook.
Brianna Ruback