Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (2024)

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These macaroni & cheese recipes include all the cheesiest, creamiest, and richest mac and cheese dishes you could ever ask for! Whether you're looking for a new macaroni & cheese recipe or a different cooking method, this ultimate list has it all! No matter which one you choose to make, you're guaranteed a delicious, crave-worthy dish on the table!

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (1)
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  • 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
  • 20. Prime Rib
  • 💭 Tips For Making The Best Macaroni and Cheese
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
  • Instructions
  • 💬 Reviews

If you want to take your macaroni & cheese experience to new heights, you've come to the right place! Below, you'll find my top recipes incorporating creamy and delectable macaroni & cheese into effortless appetizers, delightful side dishes, and satisfying family dinners!

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!

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.

Paula Deen's Macaroni and Cheese

Paula Deen's macaroni and cheese recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and always comes out deliciously cheesy and rich! Combine the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. It's the ultimate Southern comfort food!

Check out this recipe

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (2)

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.

Sour Cream Macaroni and Cheese

Sour cream macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food combining the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the tanginess of sour cream! It's a quick 20-minute recipe that is a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it as a side dish, or add some tasty mix-ins and make it the main course!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

This smoked gouda mac and cheese takes the classic recipe to new heights by incorporating the rich and smoky flavors of gouda cheese! All you need to do is cook your pasta, prepare your cheese sauce, and stir everything together. Whether you are seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a side dish for gatherings, this elevated macaroni and cheese version is perfect!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot mac and cheese is an extra quick and effortless way of whipping up some creamy and cheesy macaroni! Shredded cheddar and Velveeta combine to make this dish gooey and delicious! This recipe is so simple that it will quickly become one of your new favorite ways to prepare mac and cheese!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Velveeta Mac and Cheese (Easy Stove Top Recipe)

My easy stove-top Velveeta mac and cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food delight that's irresistibly cheesy! It's a one-pot stovetop side dish that takes practically no effort to make! This family favorite dish is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes!

Check out this recipe

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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!

Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites

Air fryer frozen mac and cheese bites are the ultimate easy comfort food that you will want to make over and over again! They make a fabulous snack, appetizer, or an easy quick lunch if you are in a hurry. These bite-sized balls of mac and cheese are a kid favorite that adults will love just as much!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Crockpot mac and cheese is about to be your new favorite method of making macaroni and cheese. It's so easy, and there are no dishes. There's no boiling your macaroni noodles; just toss them in your slow cooker with the other ingredients and let it do all the cooking.

Check out this recipe

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (8)

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.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower mac and cheese can give any macaroni and cheese recipe a run for its money because it's delightfully rich and creamy! Pasta or not, this hearty baked cauliflower mac is pure indulgence! It's just as good (if not better) than any other mac!

Check out this recipe

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (9)

>>>>See all of my 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.

Mac And Cheese With Hot Dogs

Creamy and delicious homemade mac and cheese with hot dogs is the quick and easy family dinner that everyone will love to have! Cook your pasta up with the franks and then create this ultra-rich and creamy cheese sauce for the perfect kid-pleasing meal!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Lobster Mac And Cheese Burger

This hearty lobster mac and cheese burger is as insanely tasty as it is impressive looking on a chewy, homemade brioche bun! Rich lobster mac is mixed and formed the night before, then pan seared to patty perfection and topped with more melty cheese!

Check out this recipe

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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!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

White cheddar mac and cheese is loaded with delicious sharp white cheddar in a creamy sauce that's in every tender bit of the macaroni pasta! It's also incredibly easy to make with this simple stovetop method that everyone is sure to love! Whether you are looking for a new macaroni recipe to try or need an easy side dish idea, this white cheddar mac & cheese won't disappoint!

Check out this recipe

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (12)

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.

Smoked Mac and Cheese

This Smoked Mac and Cheese is loaded with flavor. You'll find a delicious version of this comfort food recipe with three creamy kinds of cheese, bacon, and jalapeno! The perfect touch of smoke flavor pairs with the richness of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and smoked Gouda!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a wonderfully creamy and extra cheesy side dish that everyone will love! Made with a minimum of three kinds of cheese to make the best mac and cheese that is sure to be a family favorite! You'll be bringing it along to every potluck, cookout, and holiday!

Check out this recipe

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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.

White Cheddar Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Indulgent white cheddar mac and cheese to be served as the star for your main dish, or to compliment an amazing steak for a whole new level of 'surf and turf'!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Oven Baked Breaded Macaroni and Cheese Bites

These baked breaded macaroni and cheese bites are the perfect way to enjoy any leftover macaroni and cheese. The macaroni is coated in a breadcrumb mixture before being baked in the oven until crisp on the outside. They are a bite-sized snack that both kids and adults will love.

Check out this recipe

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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.

Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli

Ooey, gooey, creamy, and decadently delicious oven baked macaroni & cheese!

Check out this recipe

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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!

Mac And Cheese Without Flour

This mac & cheese without flour recipe is so easy to make and creamy that no one will notice the lack of flour! Add cooked elbow macaroni with heavy cream, butter, seasonings, and cheddar cheese in just one pot! So skip out on the roux and prepare this simple pasta dish!

Check out this recipe

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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.

Homemade Baked Mac N Cheese Bites

Homemade baked mac n cheese bites are a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly bite-sized on-the-go snack for kids as well as a finger food appetizer! Use some leftover macaroni and cheese, or stir up some stove-top mac n cheese to make these. Either way, they're absolutely perfect bites of deliciousness!

Check out this recipe

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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!

Microwave Mac & Cheese

Perfectly creamy microwave mac & cheese combines tender macaroni pasta, milk, butter, and lots of cheese! Skip the stovetop version - you’ll be amazed at how delicious this mac & cheese tastes when it only takes a few minutes!

Check out this recipe

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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!

Prime Rib Macaroni and Cheese

Make this rich, satisfying comfort food classic with a twist when you try my prime rib macaroni and cheese recipe!

Check out this recipe

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💭 Tips For Making The Best Macaroni and Cheese

Making the best macaroni and cheese combines techniques and ingredients to achieve a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish! Here are some of my best tips to help you create delicious macaroni and cheese:

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape with nooks and crannies that can hold the cheese sauce well. For more information, check out my guide on the best pasta for mac and cheese!
  2. Use High-Quality Cheese: I recommend investing in good-quality cheese for a rich and flavorful sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture.
  3. Slowly Add Cheese: Gradually add the cheese to the sauce and stir constantly to ensure it melts smoothly. Avoid overheating or boiling the sauce, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy.
  4. Rest Before Serving: Let the macaroni and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly. This will make it easier to serve and enjoy!
  5. Experiment: Get creative with add-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped herbs to enhance your mac and cheese.

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!

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Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: Mac & Cheese Without Flour (+More Tasty Recipes To Try!)

These macaroni & cheese recipes include all the cheesiest, creamiest, and richest mac and cheese dishes you could ever ask for! Whether you're looking for a new macaroni & cheese recipe or a different cooking method to try out, this ultimate list has it all! No matter which one you choose to make, you're guaranteed a delicious, crave-worthy dish on the table!

Author | Angela

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 689kcal

Prep 10 minutes minutes

Cooking 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

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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)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

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.

Equipment You May Need

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

Calories: 689kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 45g (15%) | Protein: 19g (38%) | Fat: 48g (74%) | Saturated Fat: 29g (181%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 140mg (47%) | Sodium: 533mg (23%) | Potassium: 225mg (6%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 1654IU (33%) | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 355mg (36%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

how to make macaroni and cheese no flour, mac & cheese, Mac & Cheese Without Flour, macaroni and cheese, macaroni and cheese ingredients no flour

Course Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Main Course, Main Dish, Pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Macaroni & Cheese Recipes: 19+ Cheesy & Creamy Side Dishes To Try! (23)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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