Decadent Mac and Cheese Recipes

Mac and Cheese Recipes – Soul food at its finest is creamy, cheesy, and oh so rich. No family cookout is complete without it. And these super easy recipes will make you the star of your next get-together, even if you’ve never made mac and cheese before.

Grown-up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

My boys used to upset me because they begged for that boxed mac and cheese. I’m sorry, but I have a hard time eating ingredients I can’t pronounce. And it’s even harder putting it on the table for the ones I love.

I knew there had to be a better way, and we found it. Fast forward to the present day, and the options are endless, even designer mac and cheese. Now my boys are happy with the homemade stuff and don’t even breathe the word boxed.

Super Easy Mac and Cheese Recipes

We’ve got you covered, from the classic mac and cheese to the fancier stuff (lobster mac and cheese, anyone?). If you’ve never tried making this deliciousness before, try the Slow Cooker No-Boil Mac and Cheese or super easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese for a stress-free first time.

If you are a mac and cheese fanatic, you have to try Smoked Bacon and Gouda Mac and Cheese. And if you want a healthier option. You’ll truly appreciate Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Don’t worry; every one of these scrumptious recipes is listed below.

Tips for Perfection

Bring ingredients to room temperature – It takes longer to make the cheese sauce if all your ingredients are cold. I like to set them all out on the countertop 30 minutes before cooking.
Cook the pasta just right – Since you’ll be cooking it a second time, remove the pasta from the heat before you usually would. I cook it five minutes less than normal. And then drain it and toss it with olive oil or butter so it doesn’t keep swelling.
Use good cheese – That pre-shredded stuff will save you some time, but you won’t be as happy with the results. It has additives to keep it from sticking together, but it’s drier and doesn’t melt nearly as well. And while you’re shredding the cheese, don’t forget to try different flavors. Smoked Gouda makes me drool. Cheddar, Gruyere, Colby, Swiss, Jack, and Fontina are just a few incredible flavor enhancers.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Mac and cheese tends to dry out, so add more sauce if you want to make it ahead. This works best for the baked version. Follow the instructions up to the part you combine the sauce and macaroni. Then pour it into your baking dish and let it cool. I would add the breadcrumb or cracker topping when you’re ready to bake it.

Cover and freeze for two months or refrigerate for two days. You can do the same with leftovers.

You can bake frozen mac and cheese. Put it in a cold oven (you don’t want to break your dish if it’s glass), heat it to 350℉/177℃, and bake the mac and cheese for 75-90 minutes. If you remember to take it out of the freezer and put it in the fridge the night before, bake it for 20-30 minutes.

Mac and Cheese Variations

Bacon – Bacon makes everything better. And mac and cheese is no exception. Just fry it crispy, crumble it and add it with the toppings.
Cheese Swaps – Manchego, Provolone, and Jarlsberg are some of my faves. What are some of your favorites?
More Addins – Anything that goes good on a pizza or in a lasagna goes perfectly well in mac and cheese. Salami, ham, sausage, chopped veggies, you name it. And yes, I’ve even tried it with ham and pineapple.

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The Recipe Collection

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese + {VIDEO}

This Creamy Baked Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe is made with crab, shrimp, and macaroni pasta. It's the perfect, simple cheesy casserole to add to any spread. Add Old Bay Seasoning and Cajun spices for an additional kick in flavor!