20 Delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes for Cheesy Bliss

I’ve always had a soft spot for baked mac and cheese. It’s that ultimate comfort food that brings a sense of warmth and happiness with every delightful bite. From family gatherings to quiet weeknight dinners, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion. Throughout the years,

I’ve experimented with various recipes, each bringing its own unique twist to this cheesy classic. Today, I’m excited to share my treasure trove of 20 delicious baked mac and cheese recipes for cheesy bliss. Trust me, you’ll want to try them all!

1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

This timeless recipe is a crowd-pleaser and brings back those childhood memories.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until well combined. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
3. Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
4. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, and pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

2. Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

For the bacon lovers out there, this smoky twist elevates your mac and cheese game.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Add smoked gouda and cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring until melted.
4. Combine the cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and slightly crispy.

3. Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Combining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this recipe is a cheese lover’s dream.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Gradually incorporate milk, whisking until it thickens.
3. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese has melted.
4. Mix the cheese sauce with macaroni and transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

4. Lobster Mac and Cheese

For a luxurious twist, this lobster-infused mac and cheese will make you feel like dining at a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and gradually add milk, stirring until thick.
3. Add Gruyere, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and dry mustard, stirring until melted.
4. Combine lobster, cheese sauce, and macaroni in a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

5. Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Spice things up with this zesty, flavorful combination inspired by everyone’s favorite appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Add cheddar and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in chopped jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.

6. Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Inspired by the classic dip, this version adds a healthy and delicious twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup chopped spinach (cooked and drained)
• 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick.
3. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted.
4. Add spinach and artichoke hearts to the sauce, and combine with the macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and slightly crispy.

7. BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Combining the savory flavor of pulled pork with creamy cheese, this recipe is a true delight.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted.
4. Combine the cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, pulled pork, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

8. Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elevate your dish with rich truffle oil and decadent cheeses for a gourmet experience.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick.
3. Stir in Gruyere, white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until melted.
4. Drizzle truffle oil over the cheese sauce and combine with macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly brown on top.

9. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A delicious way to sneak some veggies into your meal without sacrificing the cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thick.
3. Add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Mix in steamed broccoli and combine with macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

10. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A spicy twist with tangy buffalo chicken and zesty blue cheese.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine buffalo sauce with chicken. Mix the chicken, cheese sauce, and macaroni. Fold in blue cheese crumbles.
5. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.

11. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A lighter version using cauliflower but still packed with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni and cauliflower florets until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce, cauliflower, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly brown.

12. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Rich and flavorful with a hint of garlic, this mac and cheese is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir in flour and gradually add milk, stirring until thick.
3. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Mix the cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

13. Taco Mac and Cheese

Combining two favorites, this taco-inspired version is a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
4. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
5. Combine the cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden. Serve with optional toppings of choice.

14. Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

Bringing the flavors of pizza into a cheesy pasta dish that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add mozzarella, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni. Fold in sliced pepperoni and pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

15. Greek Mac and Cheese

Featuring feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe adds a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
3. Add feta and mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned.

16. Meatball Mac and Cheese

A hearty dish combining juicy meatballs with creamy, cheesy pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente. Cook the meatballs if necessary.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add mozzarella, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese is melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce, meatballs, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.

17. Veggie Lover’s Mac and Cheese

Packed with veggies, this mac and cheese is perfect for those who love a bit of everything.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente. Steam the vegetables until tender.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
3. Add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce, vegetables, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

18. Cajun Mac and Cheese

A spicy, flavorful version with a Cajun twist that will add some kick to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

19. Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese

Sweet caramelized onions add depth and richness to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves

Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese

Sweet caramelized onions add depth and richness to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized (about 20 minutes). Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and add flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
4. Add Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring until the cheese is melted.
5. Mix the cheese sauce with the caramelized onions and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

20. Beer and Brat Mac and Cheese

For those who appreciate the comfort of beer and bratwurst, this hearty dish combines two favorites.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 bratwursts, cooked and sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 bottle of beer (12 oz)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Gradually add beer and milk, whisking until thickened.
3. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
4. Combine cheese sauce, bratwursts, and macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion

Each of these recipes brings its own unique twist to the classic baked mac and cheese. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or a bit fancier, there’s a mac and cheese recipe on this list to satisfy every craving. Enjoy your journey through cheesy bliss!