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19 Cheesy Melty Mac n Cheese Recipes We Can All Appreciate

From fast pressure cooker dinners to oven-baked classics and spicy mashups, this list brings something for every mac and cheese mood. Whether you’re cooking for Easter, weeknight dinner, or using up leftovers, there’s an easy win waiting here.

Some recipes keep it classic, while others bring in bold extras like sausage, jalapeños, or taco spices. There are even options to lighten things up or make it handheld and crispy.

Scroll through, pick one, and dig in—because there’s no such thing as too much mac and cheese.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This copycat recipe brings Chick-fil-A’s creamy mac to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, cheesy, and easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Stetted.

A classic baked version that’s crispy on top, creamy underneath. Great as a holiday side or comforting family dinner year-round.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese

Costco Mac and Cheese

Costco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Make your favorite warehouse side dish at home with this creamy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Big flavor without the bulk-size package.
Get the Recipe: Costco Mac and Cheese

Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This copycat version of Outback’s cheesy side is simple to make and loaded with rich flavor. A great steakhouse-style comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese Fondue

Macaroni & Cheese Fondue. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fun twist on fondue with elbow pasta swimming in melted cheese. Perfect for dipping and sharing—cheese lovers, this one’s for you.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni & Cheese Fondue

Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour

Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour. Photo credit: Gimme From Scratch.

This no-flour recipe uses a three-cheese blend and garlic crouton topping for rich, skillet-baked flavor. Creamy, crispy, and flour-free.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, buttery, and smooth—this homemade version tastes just like Panera’s best-selling side. Easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

Stouffers Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Stouffers Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Recreate the nostalgic oven-baked mac and cheese you grew up with. Creamy in the middle, crispy edges, and total comfort.
Get the Recipe: Stouffers Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli

Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A hearty spin on mac and cheese with chunks of ham and broccoli folded in. It’s a one-dish dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham & Broccoli

Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This pressure cooker mac is fast, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor. A great dinner option when you need comfort in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese

Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese

Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Spicy Nashville hot chicken meets creamy pasta for a bold, comforting dish. Great for spice lovers who want a full-flavor meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Taco seasoning, cheese, and pasta all come together in the pressure cooker for a quick, cheesy dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A simple, no-frills version of the classic. Creamy sauce, tender pasta, and big comfort—all made from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked cheese and jalapeños turn this into a spicy, smoky standout. Perfect for BBQs or anyone who wants to kick things up.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Crumbled sausage adds savory depth to this creamy mac and cheese. A hearty meal that works for both dinner or game day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A creamy, slightly sweet version made with pureed sweet potato, spinach, and two cheeses. A lighter take with all the comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy, cheesy mac made fast in the Instant Pot. It’s a reliable go-to when you want homemade without the wait.
Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Turn leftover mac into crispy bites with this air fryer recipe. Great as a snack, appetizer, or fun party food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls