11 Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes
There’s nothing like a bowl of mac and cheese when you need something warm, satisfying, and totally craveable. I’ve made more mac and cheese recipes than I can count, and these are the ones I actually go back to when I want something genuinely delicious.
You’ll find everything from quick stovetop versions to baked options with crispy tops, plus creative takes with bacon, lobster, and more. Whether you want classic comfort or something with a twist, there’s a recipe here that’ll become your new favorite.
1. Homestyle Mac and Cheese
This Southern-style mac and cheese is one of my favorite recipes. The bread crumbs add a buttery crunch that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Mac and Cheese
2. Bacon Mac and Cheese
The pasta simmers directly in a sauce made with bacon drippings, so every piece picks up that smoky flavor. Bacon lovers will go crazy for this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese
3. Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese has four (yes, four) types of cheeses, so you know it will be good. This is the stovetop mac and cheese recipe that I come back to again and again; my family loves it too.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
4. Lobster Mac and Cheese
If you love lobster as much as I do, then this will be your favorite mac and cheese. Lobster meat throughout makes it feel indulgent, while a golden breadcrumb crust on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mac and Cheese
5. Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
You’ll get a toasted breadcrumb topping without turning on the oven by simply browning panko in a skillet while the mac and cheese cooks. The pasta finishes right in the cheese sauce, which helps it soak up all that flavor and stay extra creamy.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
6. Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Broccoli mixed into a cheddar sauce makes this an easy way to work vegetables into dinner without anyone complaining. The whole thing cooks on the stovetop, which keeps cleanup simple on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
7. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
The smoky flavor from the Gouda gives this mac and cheese so much flavor. Sharp cheddar balances the smokiness, and the whole dish is ready in about half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
8. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Frank’s hot sauce blended into the cheese sauce gives this stovetop version just enough heat without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken and tastes like buffalo dip transformed into a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
9. Homemade Mac and Cheese Cups
When I want to feed a crowd, I opt for these mac and cheese cups since they’re individually portioned. The egg helps everything hold its shape, and each cup has a golden breadcrumb top.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mac and Cheese Cups
10. Butternut Squash Mac N’ Cheese
Pureed butternut squash blends into the sauce making it creamy and delicious. Finish it with bacon and sage for a fall meal or side that everyone will go wild for.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac N’ Cheese
11. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Mascarpone makes this southern-style mac and cheese incredibly creamy. While it’s hard to choose a favorite mac and cheese recipe, this one ranks in the top three best recipes I’ve ever made.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
We want to hear from you! Comment and let us know which mac and cheese recipe is your favorite. Are you going to try any of these recipes?
