When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, gooey goodness of a perfectly crafted macaroni and cheese. But why settle for just any old mac and cheese when you can take it to the next level with creative flavor combinations? From classic pairings like truffle oil and mushroom to unexpected twists like buffalo chicken and kimchi, we’ve got 18 unique mac and cheese recipes that will elevate your comfort food game. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy or bold and spicy, there’s a mac and cheese on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
Stay tuned for our top picks and get ready to take your mac and cheese to new heights!
Truffle Oil and Mushroom Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy macaroni and cheese dish infused with the earthy flavors of truffle oil and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup truffle oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini and shiitake), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Stir in truffle oil and cook for an additional minute.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo wings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and blue cheese until melted.
7. Add buffalo wing sauce and diced chicken; stir until well combined.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a baking dish.
9. Top with additional shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lobster and Crab Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the addition of succulent lobster and crab meat. This rich and creamy dish is perfect for special occasions or as a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup lobster meat, diced
– 1/2 cup crab meat, flaked
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, lobster meat, and crab meat. Pour cheese sauce over the top and mix until well combined.
7. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni game with this rich and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of pesto with the intensity of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
This creamy macaroni and cheese dish gets a bold boost from the addition of jalapeños, creating a spicy and satisfying twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Add heavy cream, diced jalapeños, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking dish. Top with additional grated cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the addition of crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions. This comforting dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
5. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
6. Add cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
7. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Artichokes
Elevate the classic comfort food to a new level by adding nutritious spinach and artichokes to your macaroni and cheese. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked macaroni, spinach, and artichokes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game by adding tender pulled pork and a tangy drizzle of BBQ sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup pulled pork (cooked in a BBQ sauce of your choice)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
5. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
6. Top with pulled pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Sriracha and Lime
Elevate your classic macaroni and cheese game with the bold flavors of Sriracha and lime. This creamy, spicy twist on a comfort food favorite is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add Sriracha sauce and lime juice; stir to combine.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese and Herbs
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this decadent recipe that combines the creaminess of goat cheese with fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled goat cheese, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Chorizo and Roasted Peppers
Spicy and satisfying, this Mac and Cheese with Chorizo and Roasted Peppers adds a bold twist to the classic comfort food. A perfect blend of creamy pasta, spicy sausage, and sweet roasted peppers will become your new go-to dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped chorizo sausage
– 2 large roasted red bell peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook chorizo sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add roasted peppers and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chorizo-pepper mixture, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
6. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the macaroni is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Kimchi and Korean Spices
This innovative macaroni and cheese dish combines the comfort of a classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of kimchi and Korean spices. A perfect fusion of East meets West.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped kimchi and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, combine cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir in gochujang, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture. Toss until well coated.
6. Add kimchi mixture to the macaroni mixture and stir until combined.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (if desired).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash and Sage
Elevate the classic comfort food by adding roasted butternut squash and crispy sage leaves to a rich macaroni and cheese. This autumnal twist is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Roast butternut squash for 45 minutes, or until tender. Scoop out the flesh and puree in a blender until smooth.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
6. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Add butternut squash puree and stir to combine.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with crispy sage leaves (cook in oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy).
10. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the pungent flavor of blue cheese and crunchy texture of walnuts. This twist on a classic comfort food is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup grated blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and stir until combined.
4. Gradually add blue cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the blue cheese sauce. Stir in chopped walnuts.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional blue cheese crumbles (optional).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Crab Rangoon Filling
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game by adding the rich flavors of crab rangoon filling. This unique twist combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the decadence of creamy crab.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crab rangoon filling (see below for recipe)
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Crab Rangoon Filling:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crab rangoon filling. Stir until smooth.
4. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Curry and Coconut Milk
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, aromatic twist on the classic mac and cheese! This recipe combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of curry powder for a dish that’s both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add curry powder and whisk until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and parmesan. This comforting dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into cloves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Roast garlic cloves in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add roasted garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Then, whisk in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Fried Shallots and Gruyère
Elevate the classic comfort food by adding crispy fried shallots and nutty Gruyère cheese to this creamy macaroni dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large skillet, fry shallots over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
7. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with fried shallots.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with these 18 creamy and unique flavor combinations. From classic truffle oil and mushroom to adventurous buffalo chicken and kimchi, there’s something for every taste bud. Try adding some spicy heat with jalapeño popper or sriracha and lime, or get sophisticated with goat cheese and herbs or blue cheese and walnuts. If you’re feeling fancy, go big with lobster and crab or pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Whatever your craving, these recipes are sure to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.
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