11 Mac and Cheese Recipes for Every Craving

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We’re not here to knock Kraft (or Annie’s for the fancy folk out there), but if you have a hankering for macaroni and cheese why not think outside the box?

It may not be as simple as just adding water, but going the made-from-scratch route is definitely worth the extra effort.

Take the dynamic duo of pasta and queso to delicious new heights with our favorite riffs on the legendary weeknight fave.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

The key here is a creamy béchamel which sounds chi chi but is simply a combination of milk, butter, flour, and salt. Combined with elbows and a one-two punch of cheddar (preferably aged a couple of years) and pecorino, plus a sprinkle of crunchy panko for good measure, it’s the pinnacle of cheesy, noodly excellence. Get our Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

Tex-Mex Macaroni and Cheese

This midnight munchie hybrid successfully straddles the border between nachos and mac and cheese. Pasta, tortilla chips, chorizo, jalapeños, jack, and cheddar are all invited to the ultimate comfort food fiesta. Get our Tex-Mex Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun. A blend of coconut milk, nuts, and leafy cultivars serve as a suitable cheese substitute in this animal-free offering. Get our Vegan Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Macaroni and Cheese Cups

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That is, in fact, a hot, cheesy bite of pasta nestled in a bowl of crispy, cured pork. Break out that muffin pan and get baking! Get our Prosciutto-Wrapped Macaroni and Cheese Cups recipe.

Macaroni and Cheese Soufflé

No one likes a show off…unless you’re flaunting this crazy delicious mac and cheese soufflé. Think of it as the food equivalent of when Adam Sandler takes on a serious role. Get our Macaroni and Cheese Soufflé recipe.

Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Bites

Do you feel like chicken parm tonight? But are the kids angling for some cheesy mac? Find tasty middle ground with these best-of-both-worlds bites. Get our Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Bites recipe.

Spicy Kimchi Mac and Cheese

James Park takes inspiration from kimchi jjigae (a spicy and tangy Korean stew) for this brilliant fusion of flavors. Of course, there’s pasta (preferably farfalle) and a creamy cheese sauce, but the key weapon here is deploying a funky, spicy paste made with chopped anchovy fillets, bacon, kimchi, gochugaru, and gochujang. Get the Spicy Kimchi Mac and Cheese recipe.

Pimento Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is certainly a classic but “Top Chef” alum Sam Talbot adds an extra layer of nostalgia with the addition of cherry peppers. The southern spin adds notes of sweetness and spice to this insanely decadent dish which is also prepared with cream cheese and mayo. Get the Pimento Mac and Cheese recipe.