Looking to take your classic, homemade macaroni and cheese to the next level? This collection of delectable macaroni and cheese variations will not disappoint. These simple twists on America's favorite side transform the dish to a hearty main course. Here's your chance to explore some new flavor combinations and choose from
a variety of protein and vegetable additions. If you're not sure what to serve with mac and cheese, turn it into the main attraction with these tasty recipes. Diana Rattray This genius combination is sure to please the kids. The ground beef filling goes perfectly with the deliciously gooey macaroni and cheese to make a flavorful casserole. Swap the beef for ground turkey if
desired. JeffKearney/Getty
Images Spicy andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and peppers and onions give this scrumptious macaroni and cheese its incredible smoky flavor and a bit of heat. Make the recipe with macaroni or other pasta shapes. If you don't have access
to good smoked andouille sausage, try this recipe with another variety of smoked sausage. Chorizo or a spicy turkey or chicken sausage would be excellent as well. For milder sausage, add a little cayenne pepper to the dish for more heat. Diana Rattray
Pulled pork macaroni and cheese consists of two comfort foods in one dish. You can use homemade leftover
pulled pork or store-bought, including leftovers from your favorite barbecue restaurant. Add a little extra barbecue sauce to the pork before baking and serve this dish with
coleslaw for a filling meal. The Spruce Smoky cooked bacon jazzes up this
macaroni and cheese bake. The bacon crumbles are sprinkled over the top of the mac and cheese along with buttery breadcrumbs. Add blanched
broccoli or wilted spinach to bulk it up and serve as a main dish or a side dish. Continue to 5 of 11 below. The Spruce / Diana Rattray Treat yourself by making lobster mac
and cheese. This dish is too special to be a side dish and is satisfying enough to be a main. It's a good way to use frozen lobster meat or leftover lobster from a previous feast.
Diana Rattray
Chicken pasta casserole is really just a fancy mac and cheese. It's a fabulous combination of flavors, from the cheddar and American cheeses to the bacon, chicken, and peas. Use elbow macaroni or mini penne pasta in this dish.
Diana Rattray
Taco cheeseburger macaroni might remind you of a certain boxed dinner but with the addition of taco spices. It's super easy, using cheddar cheese soup as the creamy base, and will be a hit with the whole family.
The Spruce
This extra quick and easy Southwestern macaroni and cheese combines boxed mac and cheese, black beans, corn, tofu, and store-bought salsa for a complete meal. It'll satisfy meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
Continue to 9 of 11 below.
Diana Rattray
You can't go wrong with this hearty macaroni and cheese with ham and green onions. The casserole is made with a satisfyingly cheesy sauce with more cheese sprinkled over the top. It's finished with a delicious buttered breadcrumb topping. Add a cup of frozen peas for color if desired.
Diana Rattray
This macaroni and cheese is a tasty combination of browned spicy or Italian sausage, bell peppers, sliced grape tomatoes, and cheesy macaroni. The dish is prepared with a mixture of cheddar and American cheese, but any good mixture of melting cheese can be substituted.
Diana Rattray
The Tex-Mex flavors of ground beef, bell pepper, tomatoes, and corn come together in this easy mac and cheese dish. The skillet dish is made with a prepared macaroni and cheese dinner, making it super quick and convenient for a busy family.
Macaroni and cheese may seem an easy proposition. Noodles, cheese. But the secret to this creamy dish with a crunchy and crisp top is American cheese. This is no place for fancy cheeses or fancy noodles. Leave the whole-wheat penne and artisanal orecchiette in the cupboard and bring on the elbow pasta.
Featured in: Macaroni and Lots of Cheese
Learn: How to Make Mac and Cheese
Yield: 8 to 12 servings
- 3tablespoons butter
- 12ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 12ounces American cheese or cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 1pound elbow pasta, boiled in salted water until just tender, drained, and rinsed under cold water
- ⅛teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- Salt
- ⅔cup whole milk.
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)
291 calories; 24 grams fat; 14 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram sugars; 15 grams protein; 557 milligrams sodium
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Powered byStep 1
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use one tablespoon butter to thickly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Combine grated cheeses and set aside two heaping cups for topping.
Step 2
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, cheeses, cayenne (if using) and salt to taste. Place in prepared pan and evenly pour milk over surface. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top, dot with remaining butter and bake, uncovered, 45 minutes. Raise heat to 400 degrees and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until crusty on top and bottom.
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