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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. 

What Pairs Well

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!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese + {VIDEO}
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Easy Vegan Pasta Recipe!
Mashed butternut squash, crispy sage, and Panko breadcrumbs are mixed with the pasta of your choice to create a creamy, vegan mac and cheese!
Check out this recipe
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese - Easy Vegan Pasta Recipe!
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – super creamy, cheesy, soulful baked mac and cheese filled with great Southern flavors topped with crispy bread crumb.
Check out this recipe
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese (One Skillet)
This Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is loaded with lots of fall flavour, tons of nutrients, and tastes so decadent! It’s the perfect side dish
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese (One Skillet)
Lobster Cauliflower Mac n’ Cheese (Recipe + Video)
A low-carb, keto-friendly recipe for lobster mac and cheese that substitutes cauliflower florets for the pasta. Elegant and healthy.
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Lobster Cauliflower Mac n’ Cheese (Recipe + Video)
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese – one of the most comforting dishes loaded with cheesy goodness, chunks of lobster meat, and al dente pasta.
Check out this recipe
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Healthier, BBQ-Grilled Mac, and Cheese with Asparagus
A heart healthier version of our favourite food mac & cheese. We made it even better by baking it in a wood pellet grill. First, you need to…
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Healthier, BBQ-Grilled Mac, and Cheese with Asparagus
Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
These Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are fried to perfection in the Air Fryer. A much healthier version of your favorite mac and cheese appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
BBQ Mac and Cheese
This BBQ mac and cheese recipe is made with BBQ shredded meat and seasoned with BBQ sauce before being baked to perfection. Perfectly tasty!
Check out this recipe
BBQ Mac and Cheese
Momma’s Deep Dish Mac and Cheese (Baked Mac and Cheese)
This baked mac and cheese recipe is a representation of pure love in every delicious bite of this warm, creamy, and gooey macaroni and cheese.
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Momma’s Deep Dish Mac and Cheese (Baked Mac and Cheese)
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Perfectly rich, creamy and cheesy keto friendly Macaroni and Cheese made with Cauliflower! Get all of the decadence without the carbs and pasta!
Check out this recipe
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker NO BOIL Mac & Cheese (Uncooked Pasta) + VIDEO
This mac & cheese recipe only uses a few ingredients, one of which is uncooked pasta. Make this easy comfort food in your slow cooker. This is probably the unhealthiest recipe you will find on this blog. It’s a decadent combination of pasta, cheese, milk, and butter.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker NO BOIL Mac & Cheese (Uncooked Pasta) + VIDEO
The Creamiest White Mac and Cheese
The creamiest, delicious, and flavorful white mac and cheese with three different kinds of white cheese! Includes both a stovetop and baked option! Take your next mac and cheese adventure over the top.
Check out this recipe
The Creamiest White Mac and Cheese
Grown-Up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese
Grown-Up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious spin on traditional mac and cheese. Ordinary mac and cheese is transformed into a crunchy and gooey sensation! This dish is made with creamy cheddar and Gouda cheese and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. This dish makes the perfect…
Check out this recipe
Grown-Up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
A fun spin on a comfort classic that everyone will love! Crisp on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside.
Check out this recipe
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Chicken Meatball Mac & Cheese
Creamy Chicken Meatball Mac & Cheese pairs Trottole Pasta with tender chicken meatballs and a creamy cheese sauce for a complete meal your family will love.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Meatball Mac & Cheese
Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese – Healthier Steps
Sweet Potato Vegan Mac And Cheese are creamy and smooth with the cheesy taste, made with gluten-free pasta and an irresistible sweet potato cheese sauce.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese - Healthier Steps
Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese – incredibly delicious quick and easy meal featuring two of your favorite comfort food Chili and Mac and Cheese.
Check out this recipe
Chili Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese – cheesy creamy goodness comfort food made in one pot in under 30 minutes. Ditch the box and go for this delicious, healthier meal.
Check out this recipe
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is made right in the Air Fryer in about 20 minutes. There is no need to boil the noodles first in this recipe.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese Bites (Plus VIDEO)
Experience snacking with style with these crispy Mac and Cheese Bites filled with creamy, cheesy goodness inside from a three-cheese combo.
Check out this recipe
Mac and Cheese Bites (Plus VIDEO)
Cajun Vegan Baked Mac And Cheese – Healthier Steps
This Cajun Vegan Baked Mac And Cheese is a creamy and flavorful vegan mac and cheese with a Southern twist. Amazing flavor and easy to prepare.
Check out this recipe
Cajun Vegan Baked Mac And Cheese - Healthier Steps
Butternut Squash Broccoli Mac and Cheese
The easiest and most delicious Butternut Squash Broccoli Mac and Cheese made even easier starting with a box of macaroni! So good and almost gourmet!
Check out this recipe
Butternut Squash Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Brisket Mac and Cheese
This Brisket Mac and Cheese will win everyone over! Creamy, smoky, and packed with cheese. Perfect to make using leftover smoked brisket.
Check out this recipe
Brisket Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Hassle-free INSTANT POT MAC and CHEESE makes a great comfort food during the holidays without too much labor in the kitchen.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese