These macaroni & cheese recipes include all the best cheese-packed macaroni recipes that your entire family will love. I have some new recipes for you to try out, as well as some fun cooking techniques. No matter which one you choose to make, you're guaranteed a delicious, crave-worthy dish on the table.
After you pick out the recipe you'd like to try, check out my complete list of what to serve with macaroni and cheese to complete your meal.
Jump to:
- 1. Paula Deen’s Macaroni & Cheese
- 2. Sour Cream Macaroni and Cheese
- 3. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- 4. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- 5. Velveeta Mac and Cheese
- 6. Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites
- 7. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- 8. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- 9. Mac and Cheese With Hot Dogs
- 10. Lobster Mac and Cheese Burger
- 11. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- 12. Smoked Mac and Cheese
- 13. Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- 14. White Cheddar Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
- 15. Oven Baked Breaded Macaroni and Cheese Bites
- 16. Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Smoked Sausage And Broccoli
- 17. Macaroni and Cheese Without Flour
- 18. Homemade Baked Mac N Cheese Bites
- 19. Microwave Mac & Cheese
- 20. Prime Rib
- 💭 Tips For Making The Best Macaroni and Cheese
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: Mac & Cheese Without Flour (+More Tasty Recipes To Try!)
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
If you are looking to upgrade your typical mac and cheese, then you have definitely come to the right place. I put together this list of all of my top macaroni recipes, from appetizers to side dishes and (of course) perfectly delicious family dinners.
No matter which option you choose, I know you won't be disappointed.
1. Paula Deen’s Macaroni & Cheese
If you're a fan of Southern comfort food, this simple copycat of Paula Deen's baked macaroni & cheese recipe is a must-try! Eggs are added to the cheese sauce to create a fluffy texture that's hard to resist.
2. Sour Cream Macaroni and Cheese
This sour cream macaroni and cheese recipe features the perfect combination of tangy flavor and creamy richness! It's one of my favorite variations as it's always a hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Adding smoked gouda cheese to your macaroni creates an exceptional flavor that any cheese lover will enjoy! This dish is so comforting that it could be enjoyed as a side dish or main course.
4. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for when you are short on time! It's made with shredded cheddar and Velveeta for that extra gooey deliciousness everyone loves.
5. Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Velveeta mac and cheese is a one-pot meal that is rich, creamy, and quick to make! You only need a handful of simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time.
6. Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites
These bite-sized mac and cheese balls are a great solution for comfort food cravings when you don't have extra time to cook. You won't be disappointed if you enjoy them as a tasty snack, appetizer, or lunch!
7. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Cooking mac and cheese in the Crockpot is one of my favorite methods, as there's no need to boil the noodles in water! All you have to do is toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the rest.
8. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is a clever and tasty way to incorporate some vegetables into everyone's meal without them even realizing it! It's loaded with heavy cream, cream cheese, smoked sausage, and seasoning for extra satisfying flavor.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
9. Mac and Cheese With Hot Dogs
If you're looking for a dish guaranteed to be a success with your kids, this creamy mac & cheese with hot dogs is just the thing! It's a versatile and hearty meal that's great for any weeknight; plus, the leftovers are easy to reheat.
10. Lobster Mac and Cheese Burger
This tasty sandwich is made with leftover lobster mac & cheese patties served on my easy, homemade brioche buns! If you make the patties the night before, you'll only need 10 minutes to cook them on the stovetop.
11. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
This easy mac and cheese recipe features a velvety, luscious sauce with sharp and tangy notes from white cheddar and heavy cream. You can cook it on the stovetop, or add breadcrumbs and bake it in the oven!
12. Smoked Mac and Cheese
The next time you fire up the smoker, try my easy smoked mac and cheese recipe with your smoked meat entree! This recipe features three kinds of cheese, jalapenos, and bacon, all elevated with a savory touch of smoke.
13. Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you are tired of boxed mac and cheese and looking for an easy next-level dish, this recipe is for you! It's simple to prepare but tasty enough to serve for holiday meals and family gatherings.
14. White Cheddar Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
Seafood lovers will be head over heels for this comforting and luxurious lobster mac and cheese dinner! Fresh lobster meat is combined with tender elbow macaroni noodles and a creamy sauce made with three varieties of white cheese.
15. Oven Baked Breaded Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Another delicious appetizer option is my breaded macaroni and cheese bites! You can make them with leftover mac and cheese or start fresh if you let your pasta chill for at least 12 hours.
16. Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Smoked Sausage And Broccoli
This hearty macaroni & cheese dish is loaded with savory smoked sausage, broccoli florets, and four different kinds of cheese! It's a filling main course that's rich, flavorful, and completely addicting.
17. Macaroni and Cheese Without Flour
When it comes to cooking, nothing excites me more than straightforward and effortless recipes like this flour-free pasta dish. The texture is irresistibly creamy with butter, heavy cream, and grated cheddar cheese, even without the flour!
18. Homemade Baked Mac N Cheese Bites
These baked mac n cheese bites are perfect for serving your kids as an on-the-go snack! All you have to do is add spoonfuls of leftover mac and cheese into the cups of a mini muffin pan and top each bite with some shredded cheese before baking.
19. Microwave Mac & Cheese
This 7-minute microwave mac & cheese recipe is amazing when you need a quick and easy side dish on the table. It's so much better than the processed mac & cheese you get at the store - plus, it's insanely cheesy!
20. Prime Rib
Combine the ultimate creamy stovetop mac with tender chunks of leftover prime rib in gravy, and you have an unbeatable meal! Skip the veggies for this dish and leave room for the beef and carbs!
💭 Tips For Making The Best Macaroni and Cheese
I put together this simple list of tips to help you make the best mac and cheese possible.
- Choose the Right Pasta. Choose your favorite small pasta shape (elbow macaroni is a top choice) so that it can easily hold the cheese sauce. For more information, check out my guide on the best pasta for mac and cheese!
- Use Good Cheese. Make sure you grab some high-quality cheese! Don't use pre-shredded cheese since it does not melt as nicely as freshly grated cheese.
- Slowly Add Cheese. Gradually add the cheese to the sauce and stir constantly so that it melts smoothly. You don't want to overheat (or boil) the sauce because it will make it grainy.
- Experiment. Feel free to add any of your favorite ingredients. I love tossing in some bacon, caramelized onions, freshly chopped herbs, or sauteed mushrooms.
Now that you have some new macaroni and cheese recipes to try, which one are you excited about the most? Leave a comment below if you have any questions, and let me know what you think!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: Mac & Cheese Without Flour (+More Tasty Recipes To Try!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked, drained, rinsed)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup butter (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (grated)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Follow the package instructions to cook your pasta until al dente (firm to the bite) in texture. Then drain the pasta and rinse it in cool water. Set aside
- Heat the heavy cream with butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
- As soon as the butter melts, add the seasoning - garlic powder, salt, white pepper, and onion powder.
- Next, add the grated cheddar cheese and stir the mixture until the cheese is melted, then remove sauce from heat.
- Top the cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce, and stir until the pasta is fully coated. If desired, add more shredded cheese as a garnish, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Your sauce will be best if you heat the cream and allow the butter to melt in the sauce. This prevents your sauce from breaking (when there's no flour as the base).
- Use a combo of your favorite cheeses or see my information on the best cheese for macaroni and cheese.
- Freshly shredded cheese is best. If you use the pre-shredded cheese from the store you can end up with a grainy cheese sauce.
- A bit of American cheese makes this easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe extra creamy.
- Alternatively, a few ounces of cream cheese will also add a creamy texture to the sauce plus a nice tangy flavor.
- A pinch of ground mustard or paprika are great spices to compliment your mac n cheese flavor.
- The optional stir-ins are endless - ham, peas, bacon, brisket, lobster, shrimp, tuna, and jalapenos. This is a great recipe to customize!
- To store: Place your cooled leftovers into an airtight storage container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze: Fully cool the cooked macaroni and cheese then transfer it into an airtight freezer storage container or heavy-duty storage bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- To reheat: The pasta absorbs the sauce, so you will need to add some more milk or cream to reheat your mac and cheese best. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed to your satisfaction. Alternatively, the mac can be baked at 350°F (175°C) or heated in the microwave in short 30-second increments on high heat.
Nutrition
Originally published September 5, 2023
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