25 Delicious Ways to Make Macaroni and Cheese From Scratch

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. While the classic version is always a winner, there are countless ways to elevate this beloved dish. From gourmet ingredients to unexpected flavors, you'll find inspiration within these 25 delicious variations. Grab your pot and let's dive into the world of mac and cheese!

1. Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

5. Mix in cooked macaroni and serve.

   
   

Classic creamy macaroni and cheese served in a white bowl

2. Baked Cheddar and Gouda Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded

• 2 cups milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

  
  

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook macaroni as per package instructions and set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until thickened.

5. Stir in cheese until melted, mix with macaroni, and pour into a baking dish.

6. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes.

   
   

Baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping

3. Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk and let it thicken.

4. Stir in cheese, jalapeños, and cayenne until melted.

5. Combine with the macaroni and serve hot.

   
   

Bowl of spicy jalapeño mac and cheese with jalapeño slices on top

4. Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for about 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thick.

4. Stir in cheese until melted.

5. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and broccoli.

   
   

Bowl of macaroni and cheese with fresh broccoli mixed in

5. Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thick.

5. Stir in cheese and sour cream until melted.

6. Mix in macaroni and top with crumbled bacon.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon crumbles adorning the top

6. Truffle Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup cream

• 1 tablespoon truffle oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Salt and black pepper to taste

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and set aside.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in cream until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and truffle oil until combined.

5. Mix with macaroni and enjoy the gourmet taste.

   
   

Truffle mac and cheese with a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant touch

7. Mac and Cheese with Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 cups tomato soup

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in tomato soup and milk.

4. Stir in cheese until melted.

5. Mix with macaroni and serve for a comforting combo.

   
   

Bowl of macaroni and cheese alongside a bowl of tomato soup

8. Mediterranean Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, and milk.

3. Stir in cheese, roasted peppers, and oregano.

4. Combine with macaroni until evenly mixed.

5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

   
   

Mediterranean mac and cheese featuring roasted red peppers and feta crumbles

9. Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 sausages, cooked and sliced

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a skillet, sauté bell peppers until soft.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk until thick.

5. Stir in cheese, then mix with macaroni, sausage, and peppers.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese combined with sausage and vibrant bell peppers

10. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped

• 1/2 cup cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in cream until thick.

4. Stir in cheese until melted.

5. Fold in mac and cheese and lobster meat.

   
   

Luxurious lobster mac and cheese served in a rustic dish

11. Vegan Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cashews (soaked)

• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt to taste

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.

3. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

Creamy vegan macaroni and cheese made with cashews and nutritional yeast

12. Pesto Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup pesto

• 1/4 cup cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter.

3. Stir in cream and pesto, then add cheese until melted.

4. Mix with macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

Pesto mac and cheese topped with fresh basil for a burst of color

13. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheddar and buffalo sauce.

5. Mix in chicken and macaroni, and serve.

   
   

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese featuring a spicy sauce

14. Mac and Cheese with Green Chile

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 can diced green chiles (4 oz)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and green chiles until melted.

5. Mix with macaroni and serve hot.

   
   

Creamy macaroni and cheese with diced green chiles for extra flavor

15. Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Artichokes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped

• 1/2 cup cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in cream until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese, spinach, and artichokes until melted.

5. Combine with macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

Mac and cheese with spinach and artichokes for a nutritious twist

16. Mac and Cheese with Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and mashed sweet potato until blended.

5. Mix with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese combined with sweet potato for a rich flavor

17. Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded

• 2 onions, caramelized

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour, stirring for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and add caramelized onions.

5. Combine with macaroni and serve hot.

   
   

Mac and cheese topped with sweet caramelized onions

18. Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in pumpkin puree, milk, and nutmeg.

3. Gradually stir in cheese until melted.

4. Mix with macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

Creamy mac and cheese featuring pumpkin puree for a seasonal delight

19. Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thick.

4. Stir in cheese, chicken, and broccoli until melted.

5. Mix with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Bowl of macaroni and cheese mixed with tender chicken and broccoli

20. Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup steamed cauliflower, mashed

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and mashed cauliflower until blended.

5. Combine with macaroni, and serve hot.

   
   

Creamy macaroni and cheese enhanced with mashed cauliflower for added nutrition

21. Mac and Cheese with Clams

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 can clams (about 6.5 oz), drained

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour, stirring for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk and garlic powder until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and mixed clams until melted.

5. Combine with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Mac and cheese topped with tender clams for a unique seafood flavor

22. Mac and Cheese with Cilantro and Lime

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour, stirring for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese, lime juice, and cilantro.

5. Mix with macaroni and serve warm.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese decorated with fresh cilantro and lime

23. Mac and Cheese with Golden Raisins and Almonds

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup golden raisins

• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese, golden raisins, and almonds until melted.

5. Combine with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese featuring golden raisins and almonds for a sweet crunch

24. Mac and Cheese with Wild Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms, sautéed

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and sautéed mushrooms until melted.

5. Combine with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Macaroni and cheese showcasing a variety of wild mushrooms folded in

25. Mac and Cheese with Egg and Bacon

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.

2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in.

   
   

4. Gradually whisk in milk and egg mixture over low heat until thickened.

5. Stir in cheese and crumbled bacon until melted.

6. Combine with macaroni and serve.

   
   

Mac and cheese enriched with eggs and topped with crispy bacon

Conclusion

From classic recipes to innovative twists, there are limitless ways to enjoy macaroni and cheese from scratch. Each variation combines the essence of comfort food with unique flavors and textures that suit every palate. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or even a touch of gourmet, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe here for everyone. So gather your ingredients, try out one or multiple recipes, and indulge in the delightful world of macaroni and cheese! You’re in for a treat every time.

Happy cooking!

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