26 Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Variation Recipes You’ll Love

Sometimes, there's nothing quite like a comforting dish of baked mac and cheese to make everything right in the world. When I'm craving something warm, cheesy, and undeniably satisfying, I know it's time to get creative in my kitchen. That's why I've put together this collection of 26 Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Variation Recipes You’ll Love.

Each dish brings a unique twist to the classic mac and cheese we all know and adore. Whether you like it spicy, loaded with veggies, or topped with crunchy bits, I’ve got a recipe here that’ll hit the spot. So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into some cheesy goodness!

1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

A timeless favorite that's perfect every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Add salt and pepper.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and pour into a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

2. Bacon and Gouda Mac and Cheese

Add smokey bacon and rich gouda for an extra savory treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded gouda
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni as directed on the package.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in the gouda and cheddar until melted.
6. Mix in the bacon and cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

3. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A veggie-packed version that's just as cheesy and delightful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni and broccoli in boiling water until tender.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened.
5. Stir in the cheese until melted. Add salt and pepper.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and broccoli.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

Spicy and cheesy, this one's perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 jalapenos, diced
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in both cheeses until melted. Add jalapenos, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix the cheese sauce with the macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

5. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Indulge with this luxurious take on mac and cheese featuring tender lobster.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add lobster meat, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

6. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A zesty, tangy version with buffalo chicken to spice up your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni per package instructions.
3. Melt butter in saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add chicken, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the sauce with the macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Inspired by the classic dip, this mac and cheese is creamy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses, spinach, and artichokes until cheese melts. Add salt and pepper.
6. Mix the sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

8. Pesto Mac and Cheese

Fresh basil pesto adds vibrant flavor to this cheesy classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni as per package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add pesto, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

9. BBQ Mac and Cheese

Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce complements the cheesy goodness in this dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

10. Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elevate your mac and cheese with the decadent taste of truffles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons truffle oil
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add truffle oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

11. Mediterranean Mac and Cheese

A Mediterranean twist featuring olives, feta, and sundried tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and mix in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add olives, sundried tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

12. Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Spicy cajun seasoning and plump shrimp make this a southern favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add shrimp, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

13. Taco Mac and Cheese

All your favorite taco flavors packed into one cheesy dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add taco seasoning and set aside.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add seasoned ground beef, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

14. Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Sliced beef, peppers, and onions turn this into a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced steak
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, cook steak, peppers, and onions until meat is browned and veggies are tender. Set aside.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add steak mixture, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

15. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

A healthier twist using creamy butternut squash pureé.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup butternut squash purée
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses and butternut squash purée until everything is combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

16. Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

A blend of four flavorful cheeses for the ultimate creamy mac.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add salt and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

17. Loaded Baked Potato Mac and Cheese

Everything you love about baked potatoes, now in mac and cheese form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add bacon, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

18. Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Creamy Greek yogurt gives this mac and cheese a tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses and Greek yogurt until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

19. Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese

For the adventurous, this one packs in strong, bold flavors with blue cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add salt and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

20. Mushroom and Thyme Mac and Cheese

Earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme add an amazing depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms with a little butter until soft. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

21. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Embrace fall flavors with this creamy pumpkin-infused dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses and pumpkin purée until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

22. Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Sweet caramelized onions add a delightful twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add onions. Cook until deeply caramelized, about 25 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add caramelized onions, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

23. Herb and Garlic Mac and Cheese

Fresh herbs and garlic lend a fragrant, flavorful boost to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

24. Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Smoky chipotle peppers add a kick to this creamy mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

25. Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Mac and Cheese

A delectable combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted. Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

26. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Agarlic lovers dream, this mac and cheese is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.
4. Stir in flour until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
6. Stir in cheeses until melted and fully blended. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

I hope you've found some inspiration in these recipes. Each one brings a special flair to the beloved mac and cheese, proving that this classic dish is timeless yet endlessly versatile.

Whether you're spicing it up, adding in veggies, or indulging with some luxe ingredients, there's a mac and cheese variation here that's bound to become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!