15 Delicious Mac and Cheese Recipes (Because It’s Been a Day)

If you have an image of mac and cheese in your mind, it’s probably this one, with a creamy, roux-based sauce and a bubbly baked cheese crust.

This take on a creamy baked mac and cheese amps things up with four kinds of cheese, including sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, Gouda, and pepper Jack, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

The combination of beefy chili and cheesy mac always hits the spot for my two kids, and this slow cooker version makes it super easy to get dinner on the table — even when life is life-ing.

This skillet mac and cheese comes together in one pan (not counting the pot for boiling pasta), and baking the mac in a cast iron skillet gives the dish an entire perimeter of delicious crispy edges. (Use yellow mustard instead of Dijon to avoid trace alcohol.)

Vibrant, herbaceous pesto is a smart complement to a creamy bowl of mac and cheese, and will make your mac dinner just a little *fancier*.

Although this recipe calls for wine, as the developer of this recipe I can tell you that it’s OK to skip it; just use more beef broth and a splash of vinegar. The French onion flavor will still come through to combine the best parts of mac and cheese and French onion soup.

If there’s one ingredient that seems to have magical powers, it’s bacon. Here, it adds smokiness and crunch to a creamy, dreamy stovetop mac.

This recipe skips the roux-based cheese sauce and lightens things up with cottage cheese. Jarred roasted red peppers and baby spinach add an extra layer of flavor without any extra fuss.

This ingenious recipe combines the best of two kid-approved dinners: mac and cheese and tacos. My kids love customizing their bowls with their favorite mix of toppings, like sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips. Use a mild enchilada sauce to keep the heat level in check.

Switch up the format and fall in love with mac and cheese anew with these muffin-shaped mac and cheese cups. The leftovers are particularly great for tossing in a lunch box the next day.

This homemade stovetop mac and cheese is leagues better than the boxed stuff, and with no roux it’s not that much more time-consuming to make.

Extra cheesy with a crispy cheese crust, this Southern-style mac and cheese is my 14-year-old’s favorite — especially when served alongside a classic barbecue spread.

My son’s go-to order at Panera is their luscious mac and cheese in a bread bowl (the kid loves carbs!), and this recipe gives me the power to make it at home anytime I want.

These crunchy fried mac and cheese bites combine the whimsy of state fair food with the classic goodness of mac and cheese. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from any of the above recipes.