9 Amazing Mac and Cheese Recipes

Ready for the best EVER homemade mac and cheese recipe? We promise: it’s really worth pulling out the superlatives here! Making this comfort food from scratch makes it taste infinitely better than the kind from a box. Want to impress everyone? This homemade mac and cheese tastes homey and cozy, with the best gooey, cheesy sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs. Alex and I made this for a recent family gathering and everyone around the table agreed: “this is the best mac and cheese.”

Oh hey there, creamy pesto mac and cheese! This seriously cozy comfort food is just as gooey as it looks, and adding a swirl of bright green basil pesto is a total genius move. The way the Havarti cheese melts into the creamiest sauce is truly mind blowing. This unique mac and cheese recipe is not to be missed!

Ready for an off-the-charts dish for entertaining? Meet this smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe! It had our friends begging for seconds before they were even done with firsts! This gouda mac and cheese features smoked gouda cheese, tender noodles and crunchy sourdough bread crumbs. It makes a rich, creamy mac and cheese that is bursting with flavor.

Healthy mac and cheese? There are lots of implications around the word healthy.. Here’s the thing: mac and cheese can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. And this one is all about balance: it’s got big flavor, a bit less cheese per serving than the standard recipe, and it’s loaded with broccoli for a dose of nutrients and fiber. What’s not to love?

This white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is a true gem. The sharpness of the white cheddar cheese brings a sophistication to the creamy, cheesy sauce. And an unexpected element? Bright roasted tomatoes. The sweetness of the tomatoes is the perfect juxtaposition for the sharpness of the cheese. This baby doesn't even require baking time. Simply make the mac and cheese, top with roasted tomatoes, and serve!

Here's the healthy version of a mac and cheese recipe! This one features Greek yogurt to give it an ultra creamy texture. It's also got spinach for all the added nutrients, and turmeric gives a tiny immunity boost and some extra color. The flavor? Spot on delicious. The combination of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic makes it irresistibly delicious.

Here’s a decadent dish that will win hearts and minds: Truffle Mac and Cheese! This cozy pan mixes a rich, creamy white cheddar sauce with just the right hint of earthy truffle oil. The truffle adds an irresistible nuance (not overpowering as some truffle dishes can be!). This recipe is ideal for a dinner party where you’re looking to impress. For us black truffle lovers, we couldn’t get enough of it!

Here's a unique mac and cheese recipe: spaghetti squash mad and cheese! It's just as comforting and homey as it sounds. The spaghetti squash noodles are mixed with a creamy cheesy Béchamel sauce made with Gruyere cheese, a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of white wine. It sounds fancy, but at its core: it's comfort food at its finest. Roasting or pressure cooking spaghetti squash transforms its interior into long, slender "noodles." You can even use the squash shell as a serving dish!

There’s nothing more comforting than a good bowl of mac and cheese. Turns out, Instant Pot mac and cheese is layer upon layer of cozy! The way the Instant Pot cooks pasta makes it soft and supple, which has a down-home sort of vibe to it. It almost feels like an elevated version of box mac and cheese. The big selling point? Just throw the ingredients in the pot and press Go! Nothing better than that.