12 Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes, from Classic to Totally Whack

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: lutzflcat

Meet the best homemade mac and cheese recipes! Yup, here's your one-stop mac and cheese emporium of delights. These recipes run the full gamut, from classic mac to totally whack — looking at you, Mac-N-Cheese Pizza!

01 of 13

Mouse's Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese on a white dish
Photo by Dianne.

Cheesy meets easy. A little mustard powder gives this mac and cheese a secret little kick. This cheesy, creamy, top-rated recipe features two kinds of cheese melted on the stove before the casserole is baked.

02 of 13

Home Style Macaroni and Cheese

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The secret ingredient is cream cheese, along with Cheddar and a touch of Dijon mustard. It comes together fast and bakes in less than 20 minutes.

03 of 13

BEST EVER Mac and Cheese

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Best ever? Well, you decide. This one combines cottage cheese with sour cream and tomatoes. "This recipe was all I had hoped it would be," says Molly, who rates it 5 stars. "Hot, creamy, and delicious!"

04 of 13

Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

Microwave Macaroni and Cheese
Photo by naples34102.

The microwave means good-and-gooey mac and cheese in minutes. "A nice alternative to baked macaroni and cheese," says Kristin Gowin. "Vary the recipe by using farfalle, fusilli, or rotini pasta. You may add cooked chicken or tuna to this recipe for a more hearty meal."

05 of 13

Mac and Cheese II

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A classic with shredded Cheddar and Velveeta. "This recipe is so simple to make!" says KROB919. "It can be a side dish with meatloaf and stewed tomatoes or hold its own."

06 of 13

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
lutzflcat

Takes about 5 minutes to set it up in the a.m. "This creamy, comforting meal takes just moments to assemble and is always a big hit," says Cathy P. "Great for large family gatherings and to take to potluck dinners."

07 of 13

Chef John's Lobster Mac and Cheese

Chef John's Lobster Mac and Cheese
Photo by Chef John.

Seafood and cheese DO belong together. "You can actually prep these ahead and bake before that romantic dinner," says Chef John. "You probably want to take them out and let them warm up for 30 minutes before baking. Only bake these until the tops are browned, and the inside is just hot."

08 of 13

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

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Mac and cheese goes cold salad on us, with a little cider vinegar kick. "This is one of the best macaroni salads I have had," says bw. "I made it for a potluck today. I have used Beau Monde spice for years but only for one dish I make. Never thought of using it in any other mayo-based recipes. I will explore more uses for it."

09 of 13

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Photo by bd.weld.

Sporting Frank's wing sauce, rotisserie chicken meat, and ranch dressing mix, it's ready for the big game. This mac and cheese boasts all the flavor of Buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese combined into one tasty dish.

10 of 13

Easy Mac and Cheese Muffins

Easy Mac and Cheese Muffins
Photo by naples34102.

Finally a mac-and-cheese you can eat with your hands. "This takes a fun approach to the traditional mac and cheese recipe," says joplin_7_7_7. "Kids can eat it like a muffin and with their hands, making it a new mac and cheese experience!"

11 of 13

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
SunnyByrd

It's mac and cheese in a fun finger-food format — and cheesed to the max with Cheddar, Italian cheeses, and pimento cheese spread. "A fun and easy recipe that the kids and guests will love!" says erinrhodes813. "It's super cheesy and absolutely one of my faves. No need for spoons with this mac dish!"

12 of 13

Mac-N-Cheese Pizza

Mac-N-Cheese Pizza
Photo by Lindsey.

Speaking of pepperoni...pizza mac! "BEST...PIZZA...EVER!" says MissaLissa. "This is the basic recipe. Add your favorite flavors to make it personal. Suggestions: bacon, onion, avocado, tomato, havarti cheese, Gruyère cheese.

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