20 Mac and Cheese Ideas That Will Make You Drool
I’ll be honest with you—mac and cheese is my comfort food. Whenever I feel down, lazy, or just want something that makes me happy, I turn to a big bowl of creamy mac and cheese.
And the best part? You can make it in so many different ways.
That’s why I put together this list of 20 mac and cheese ideas. These aren’t boring or complicated; they’re fun, tasty, and super easy to try.
I’ve made many of these myself, and every time I do, I end up saying, “Why didn’t I make this sooner?” I promise you’ll find at least one here that you’ll want to cook right away.
1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Sometimes, the simple version is the best. Classic baked mac and cheese has a creamy sauce inside and a golden, crispy topping outside. I love the crunch of breadcrumbs with the soft pasta. It feels homemade and cozy, like grandma’s kitchen.
2. Three-Cheese Mac
Why stop at one cheese when you can have three? I like mixing cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella adds stretchiness, and parmesan brings that salty punch. Trust me, this one is cheesy heaven.
3. Buffalo Chicken Mac
If you like a little spice, this is your winner. Add shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce into your mac. Then top it with blue cheese or ranch dressing. It’s spicy, tangy, and cheesy all in one bite.
4. Bacon Mac and Cheese
I don’t know anyone who says no to bacon. Crispy bacon pieces mixed with creamy pasta = happiness. Every bite has that salty crunch that makes you keep going back for more.
5. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Okay, this one feels fancy, but it’s worth it. Add chunks of lobster meat to your cheesy pasta. The sweetness of the lobster with creamy sauce makes it taste like a restaurant dish. Perfect if you want to impress someone.
6. BBQ Pulled Pork Mac
This is comfort food times ten. Put pulled pork with BBQ sauce on top of mac and cheese, and you’ve got the ultimate dinner. It’s smoky, cheesy, and filling—basically, food that hugs you from the inside.
7. Jalapeño Popper Mac
Spicy peppers, cream cheese, cheddar, and breadcrumbs—this is basically a jalapeño popper turned into mac and cheese. It’s creamy with just the right amount of kick.
8. Broccoli Cheddar Mac
Want to feel a little healthier while eating mac and cheese? Toss in some steamed broccoli. It adds color, crunch, and honestly makes me feel less guilty about eating a giant bowl.
9. Chili Mac
This one is a full meal in itself. Mix chili (with beans or without) into your mac and cheese, and you’ve got something warm, spicy, and super filling. I love this one on cold nights.
10. Truffle Mac and Cheese
If you want rich flavor, add a drizzle of truffle oil to your mac. It gives it that earthy, fancy taste that feels like you’re dining in a high-end place—even if you’re just in your pajamas.
11. Cheeseburger Mac
Think of it like a cheeseburger in pasta form. Add ground beef, onions, and ketchup or mustard to your mac and cheese. It’s cheesy, meaty, and super fun to eat.
12. Spinach and Artichoke Mac
Love spinach artichoke dip? Then this is your jam. Mix spinach, artichokes, and creamy sauce with pasta, and you’ve got the dip transformed into dinner.
13. Taco Mac and Cheese
Add taco-seasoned beef, salsa, and tortilla chips on top of your mac. Boom—taco mac and cheese. It’s spicy, cheesy, and crunchy all at once.
14. Philly Cheesesteak Mac
Sautéed steak, peppers, onions, and provolone cheese mixed with pasta makes a Philly cheesesteak-inspired mac. If you love cheesesteaks, you’ll go crazy for this one.
15. Pizza Mac and Cheese
Two favorites in one dish. Add pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce to your mac. It tastes just like pizza but creamier. The kids (and honestly, adults too) love this one.
16. Garlic Parmesan Mac
Garlic lovers, this one’s for you. Add roasted garlic and extra parmesan to your mac. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor. Simple but unforgettable.
17. Sausage and Peppers Mac
Slice up Italian sausage and sautéed peppers and throw them into your mac. It’s hearty and has that classic Italian vibe.
18. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Want to sneak in some veggies? Mix roasted cauliflower with the pasta. The cauliflower blends right into the cheese sauce and gives a little extra texture.
19. Pulled Brisket Mac
If you’ve got leftover brisket, shred it and toss it into mac and cheese. It’s smoky, juicy, and makes the pasta feel like a full BBQ plate.
20. Mac and Cheese Pizza Bake
Yes, you read that right. Spread mac and cheese on a pizza crust, add toppings, and bake it. It’s weird but also genius. It combines two comfort foods into one monster dish.
FAQs About Mac and Cheese
1. Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Just prepare it, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.
2. What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is the classic, but mixing cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda makes it more flavorful.
3. How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Don’t overbake, and make sure you use enough milk or cream in the sauce. Stirring in cream cheese also helps.
4. Can I make mac and cheese without an oven?
Definitely. Stove-top mac and cheese is just as good—creamy, quick, and easy.
5. What’s the best pasta for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells and cavatappi hold the sauce really well too.
There you have it—20 mac and cheese ideas that range from classic comfort food to crazy fun twists. Honestly, mac and cheese never gets old, and with these ideas, you’ll never be bored of it again.
