37 Creative Mac & Cheese Recipes

If your little one’s favorite food groups are chicken tenders and mac and cheese, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up a bunch of recipes that range from easy homemade mac and cheese to cauliflower mac and cheese. Some of these recipes incorporate other things like sweet potatoes to chicken, so whether you’re looking for rich indulgence or a lightened-up version, we’ve got you covered. See our favorite mac and cheese recipes below.

photo: One Lovely Life

Gluten-Free Chili Mac

A spin on two classic family recipes, this cheesy gluten-free chili mac only has three ingredients, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Don't want to go gluten free? Swap out the gluten-free shells for regular pasta instead. Get the how-to over at One Lovely Life.

photo: A Taste of Madness

Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

A unique twist on a classic meal, this gnocchi mac and cheese only requires five ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make. Find the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.

photo: iStock

Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

The mac and cheese side dish is a favorite at Cracker Barrel, and it's easy to re-create your own version at home by using the recipe we spotted at Eat This, Not That! Be sure to use good Colby cheese and don't stop whisking! Grab the recipe here.

photo: Jessie Johnson via Life As a Strawberry

White Cheddar Avocado Mac and Cheese

Cheese? Check. Avocado? Check. Noodles? Check! This recipe from Life As A Strawberry has all your kids' favorite ingredients, mixed up into one delicious batch of mac and cheese. The easy-to-make avocado sauce gets a kick from cilantro and the white cheddar has a smooth flavor that'll please adults too. Get the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Cliff Huston via Flickr

The Easiest Stove Top Mac and Cheese

Sometimes you just want mac and cheese from a pot on the stove. To help you skip the processed and the packaging, we found this recipe from The Kitchn. Using cheese, milk and flour, you'll have a gooey, cheesy meal ready to go in a few. You can even throw in peas or peppers to give it a little something else. Grab the recipe here.

photo: Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you thought slow cooker mac and cheese was easy, wait until you get a glance at the recipe for an Instant Pot version we spotted over at Spend with Pennies. Even easier, you'll be eating cheesy noodles in no time. Grab the recipe here.

photo: Host the Toast

Three-Cheese Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Using a mix of cheddar, gruyere and American cheeses, Host the Toast has come up with a delicious three-cheese Crock Pot mac and cheese that your kids will love. Get the recipe here.

photo: My Fussy Eater

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

My Fussy Eater has found a way to sneak veggies into your kids' dinner without the inevitable "ewww" that follows. Butternut squash, which is a great source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber, and its smooth texture when cooked (not to mention that yellow color) combines perfectly with cheese, for serious pasta goodness. Grab the recipe over at My Fussy Eater.

photo: Vancouver Bites! via Flickr

Baked Mac and Cheese

We love The Chunky Chef's version for its gourmet cheese combo: medium cheddar and Gruyere. We also love the secret to getting that irresistible cheesiness. Head over to The Chunky Chef for the recipe.

photo: Smells Like Home

Panera Bread Copycat Mac and Cheese

If you are obsessed with mac and cheese Panera-style, then this one is for you. For everyone else, this one is for you too. Made on the stovetop, with a hint of Dijon, this incredible copycat recipe from Smells Like Home will be your new favorite. Click here for the recipe.

photo: Food Fanatic

Homemade Kraft Easy Mac

Mac and cheese is a surefire win for our kids, which is why we love this take on easy mac from Food Fanatic. The best part? It’s made entirely in the microwave and comes together in a flash. Click here to grab the recipe.

photo: Kristine's Kitchen

Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes! We’re digging this one from Kristine’s Kitchen because it’s a snap to make and you can refrigerate it up to two days before baking. It's a cheesy win-win! Get the recipe here.

photo: Annie via Flickr

Crock Pot Mac 'n' Cheese

Mac 'n' cheese that doesn't require boiling noodles or standing over a stove, stirring for what feels like hours on end? Yes, please! We couldn't believe our luck when we happened upon this recipe for Crock Pot mac and cheese from The Chunky Chef. You'll get all the same cheesy goodness with practically no effort.

photo: Andry Long via Flickr

3-Cheese Mac n Cheese

This macaroni and cheese recipe uses three different kinds of cheese (awesome!) and is made only in five easy steps. Kids will love the creamy and hearty taste of the dish, while parents will breathe a sigh of relief that this recipe is not only delicious but quick and easy as well.

photo: iStock

Baked Mac and Cheese from Damn Delicious

This baked mac and cheese is perfect for a cozy night at home. The creamy cheese sauce is hidden beneath a crunchy top—yum! Get the recipe over at Damn Delicious.

photo: Veggies Don't Bite

Baked Artisan Mac and Cheese

Comfort food that is good for you? It does exist, thanks to this whole-food based makeover from Veggies Don't Bite. This sharp white mac 'n' cheese bake is as creamy and delicious, you'll never be able to tell that it's gluten and dairy free. Get the recipe here.

photo: Weelicious

Green Macaroni and Cheese

Try out this veggie-fied take on mac and cheese from Weelicious. No food coloring needed—spinach and broccoli are the key ingredients to make the mix bright green. Find out how it’s made by clicking here.

photo: Honey & Figs

Skinny Ham Mac ‘n’ Cheese

For a lightened-up take on your favorite dish, you’ve got to try this skinny mac ‘n’ cheese from Honey & Figs. Made with whole wheat noodles, a touch of barbecue sauce and Greek yogurt for added creaminess, it’s sure to be a hit with your crew. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: Kelly Garbato via flickr

Sneaky Spinach Vegan Mac & "Cheese"

Looking to sneak a few leafy greens into your kid's favorite dish? This recipe will have them asking for more, please. The "cheese" sauce actually vegan—nutritional yeast and soymilk are its base—making a creamy meal non-dairy eaters will love. Get the recipe here.

photo: Love & Risotto

Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Cauliflower pairs perfectly with mac and cheese in this genius recipe from Love & Risotto. Once it’s topped with breadcrumbs and broiled to make a crunchy topping, even picky kids will be on board. To grab the recipe, click here.

photo: Living Well Kitchen

Cajun Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese goes Cajun in Living Well Kitchen’s hearty recipe. With andouille sausage, shrimp and lots of cheese, it’s going to be an instant hit. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: The Wooden Skillet

Baked Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese with Roasted Broccoli

Fancy up your mac and cheese with this recipe from The Wooden Skillet. We love the combination of tangy goat cheese and charred broccoli. Get the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Superman Cooks

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe from Superman Cooks combines two of our favorite things to make an instant family fave. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Recipe Diaries

Killer Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Treat the family to this super-indulgent dish from Recipe Diaries. You know what they say—everything tastes better with bacon. Click here to grab the recipe.

photo: Running with Spoons

Vegan Mac and Cheese

If you’ve got a vegan in your family (or are just trying out Meatless Monday), this vegan mac and cheese from Running with Spoons is your new best friend. It’s pretty easy to pull off using items you probably have in your pantry, plus some nutritional yeast. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: Damn Delicious

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This recipe from Damn Delicious combines two of our favorite comfort foods into one delish meal. The best part? You’ll only need one pot! Get the recipe by clicking here.

photo: 24 Carrot Life

Cottage Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese

This lightened-up version from 24 Carrot Life makes use of cottage cheese and dijon mustard to create a surefire kid favorite. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: Miss Hangry Pants

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween—Miss Hangry Pants serves up this delish recipe with a fall-inspired twist. The pumpkin adds extra earthiness and makes the sauce even creamier. To get all the details, click here.

photo: Damn Delicious

One Pot Andouille Sausage Skillet Pasta

Dinner will be on the table in no time thanks to this one-pot recipe from Damn Delicious. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: PDX Food Love

White Cheese Pesto Mac

Class up your dinner with PDX Food Love’s recipe for pesto mac and cheese. Herby and creamy, it’s tasty enough to please the whole family. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Well Floured

Skillet Pizza Mac and Cheese

This recipe from Well Floured is sure to be an instant hit in your family. Plus, it’s easy to throw together in the skillet. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: The Stay at Home Chef

Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese

Sneak some veggies into your dinner with this recipe from The Stay at Home Chef. The roasted peppers, ground mustard, and a dash of hot sauce work together to make a perfect weeknight meal. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Healthy Food for Living

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese Cups

We love these cute little mac and cheese cups from Healthy Food for Living. Picky kiddos won’t even notice the sweet potatoes. Click here to snag the recipe.

photo: Funnylove

Roasted Vegetable Mac and Cheese

Funnylove’s mac and cheese is a great way to sneak some veggies into your little one’s diet. You can sub in your family’s preferred vegetables, too. To get the recipe, click here.

—Gabby Cullen with Susie Foresman

Featured image: iStock

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