Whether you try it baked with a crunchy topping or served straight from the slow cooker, this is a great place to start if you're learning how to make mac and cheese. Kick your craving tonight with one of our best mac and cheese recipes.
Our Best Mac and Cheese Recipes
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Baked Mac and Cheese
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware
1/45
2/45
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am the mac and cheese maker for all family functions, and this version was created with my love of buffalo wings in mind. This spicy and tangy three-cheese macaroni is a huge hit at tailgates and potlucks. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
3/45
Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chick-fil-A is famous for its rich, creamy mac with a baked crispy top layer, and this copycat mac and cheese recipe stays true to the original. It features a blend of sharp cheddar, tangy Romano, nutty parmesan and melty American cheese and is baked in the oven for nice crunch on top. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 780 calories, 45g fat (27g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1067mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
4/45
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
5/45
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meet your new favorite mash-up: pulled pork mac and cheese. Pulled pork is swirled into the creamy pasta, and the dish is baked until it’s bubbly and has crispy golden-brown edges. It’s a great option to bring to a potluck, especially if you want to be invited back! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 585 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/45
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to try a luxurious version of mac and cheese with two of my favorite ingredients; lobster and cavatappi pasta. The result features gruyere, cheddar cheese and the perfect mix of seasonings—a little cayenne and nutmeg. —Rose Muccio, Methuen, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 742 calories, 36g fat (21g saturated fat), 260mg cholesterol, 1555mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 47g protein.
7/45
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade cottage cheese mac and cheese is made even better with salty, tangy cottage cheese and two kinds of cheddar. Not only does cottage cheese add a lovely tanginess to this decadently rich mac and cheese, but it’s also high in protein. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 438 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
8/45
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This special mac and cheese recipe is the perfect combination of rich cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, smoky andouille sausage and touch of heat from Cajun seasoning. If you make it once, be ready for friends and family to ask you to make again! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 447 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
9/45
Tuna Mac and Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We all know (and love!) tuna pasta salad or tuna noodle casserole. But tuna mac and cheese? Yes, please! The mild tuna and creamy, cheesy, buttery and toasty mac and cheese come together to create a decadent flavor combination of simple pantry ingredients. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/45
Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Experience a heavenly blend of cheeses perfectly combined in this classic comfort food casserole. Al dente pasta is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that combines the sharpness of aged cheddar, the nuttiness of Gruyere, the creamy indulgence of fontina and the salty punch of Parmesan. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 311 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
11/45
Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yep, get ready for a comfort food riff on the classic jalapeno popper appetizer! First chop up a few spicy peppers and add them to a rich pasta sauce filled with gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then bake it to create a melty center and crispy top. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
12/45
Hot Dog Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Comforting mac and cheese with hot dogs is a nostalgic combo that brings you back to simple but beloved school-night dinners. This homemade casserole version gives you an ultra creamy sauce and total control of the ingredients. Add some roasted broccoli or a tossed salad to complete the meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 686 calories, 43g fat (22g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 1300mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
13/45
Sausage Mac and Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding sausage to mac and cheese makes the classic even cozier! The secret here is using a blend of cheeses and cream cheese, then mixing in browned bulk Italian sausage for extra protein and flavor. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
14/45
Pimiento Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pimento mac and cheese is the happy result of two of the South’s most beloved comfort dishes combining into one. Classic pimento cheese is a rich, creamy and tangy blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and and pimiento peppers, served as a dip with crackers and veggies or made into sandwiches on white bread. It also is a fantastic enhancement to homemade mac and cheese. Bring this special mac and cheese to your next gathering and watch it steal the show. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 258 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
15/45
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
16/45
Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use your favorite kitchen appliance to make this creamy mac and cheese. The air-fryer gives this pasta dish a nice, cheesy crust finish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 287 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
17/45
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Anytime I cook with a cast-iron skillet I think of my Grammy, and this lobster mac and cheese is no exception. If you’re like me, then there’s no such thing as too much cheese, so add in as much as you’d like. —Erin Isaac, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 672 calories, 39g fat (24g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
18/45
Pizza Macaroni & Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
19/45
Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 586 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
20/45
Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 346 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
21/45
Porcini Mac & Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 723 calories, 33g fat (19g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 968mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
22/45
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/45
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ready in only 25 minutes, this gooey, cheesy Velveeta recipe reminds me so much of my grandma’s macaroni and cheese. It is easier to make than from a box and has a nice homemade touch from the pepper. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 1009 calories, 62g fat (38g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
24/45
Bistro Mac & Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 468 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
25/45
Cavatappi Mac and Cheese
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that’s delectable with the smoky topping. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 706 calories, 38g fat (21g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
26/45
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
27/45
Cheddar Spirals
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kids always loved this cheesy pasta and would sample a spoonful right from the slow cooker when they walked by. Adding cocktail sausages, sliced Polish sausage or cubed ham makes it a hearty dinner. —Heidi Ferkovich, Park Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 19g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
28/45
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
29/45
Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
30/45
Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 300 calories, 12g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
31/45
Southern Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No down-home meal is complete without southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 830 calories, 45g fat (30g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
32/45
Veggie Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn’t come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
33/45
Chili Mac Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
34/45
Over-the-Top Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 585 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
35/45
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 388 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
36/45
Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 763mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
37/45
Hamburger Macaroni Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom often made this casserole when I was growing up, and it was one of my favorite meals. It tastes terrific with a salad and rolls. —Judy Hluchy, Mt. Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 357 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
38/45
Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
39/45
Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. —Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 636 calories, 34g fat (20g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
40/45
Deluxe Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been cooking and baking for many years, but I've only recently begun creating my own recipes. By adding diced ham, tomatoes, several cheeses and a hint of Dijon mustard, I turned this super creamy mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 441 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
41/45
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rev up classic mac and cheese with this ultra-comforting smoked gouda version. It’s creamy, cheesy and irresistibly smoky. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 240 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
42/45
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the mellow earthiness truffle adds to this baked mac and cheese, which is equally great for a cozy weeknight meal or fancy dinner party! Green onion adds a little freshness and color on top of the crunchy panko-and-Parmesan crust. —Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 483 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
43/45
French Onion Mac and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With garlic, thyme and caramelized onions, this smooth and creamy mac and cheese has everything you love about French onion soup. It's baked to perfection with Gruyere, Parmesan and Swiss cheeses. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 273 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
44/45
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just because this mac and cheese is gluten-free doesn't mean that it isn't creamy and cheesy. With Parmesan, mozzarella and sharp cheddar, it's ready in only 30 minutes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 257 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
45/45
Hamburger Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet dinner is doubly quick. The leftovers-if there are any-can be reheated to make a second meal as tasty as the first. —Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
