15 Delicious Ways to Make Macaroni & Cheese Better

Oh, how we love creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese… so much goodness in every bite. But, why not go the next step and make mac & cheese the very best it can be?! By adding veggies, spices and – of course – bacon, you’ll never look at macaroni and cheese the same.

Decadent Crawfish Mac and Cheese

Decadent Crawfish Mac and Cheese

“Rich and flavorful crawfish adds a kick to this favorite recipe. Make a big batch of this bacon, cheesy, spicy pasta!” - Paula
Decadent Brie Macaroni & Cheese En Croute

Decadent Brie Macaroni & Cheese En Croute

“This mac & cheese is one guilty pleasure and ooh la la so French! Holds up well in the refrigerator to be prepared ahead and then build a day or two later. I enjoy creating recipes that I can prep in stages so I'm not in the kitchen for too long at the end of a big day.” - Brenda
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

“This mac and cheese covers all of the flavours and textures of poppers from the cheese to the jalapenos and even the crispy bread crumb coating! Poppers are usually filled with cream cheese and/or cheddar cheese and this mac and cheese uses plenty of both! The crispy breadcrumb coating is easy to add to mac and cheese by throwing it into a baking dish and topping it with buttered bread crumbs to bake until golden brown and crispy and all sorts of good!” - Kevin
Grilled Mac n Cheese Sandwich with Bacon

Grilled Mac n Cheese Sandwich with Bacon

“Bacon and mac & cheese rolled into one sandwich... pure decadence and deliciousness. The outside is buttery and a little crisp from the cheese. Inside, creamy mac & cheese and a smoky flavor from the bacon. Although great alone, this would be yummy with a little bowl of tomato soup too. Total comfort food!” - Kitchen Crew
French Onion Mac and Cheese

French Onion Mac and Cheese

“This is not the mac and cheese you grew up eating... it's super rich and decadent. The creamy cheese sauce is a nice mixture of the mild Fontina with the zesty Asiago. Caramelized onions add a wonderful flavor and texture. Topping this, though, with croutons and Gruyere brings this mac and cheese to a whole new level. This is not a recipe you'd make every day, but great for special occasions.” - Kitchen Crew
Redneck Mac 'n Cheese Casserole

Redneck Mac 'n Cheese Casserole

“Made this true to recipe and then smoked it at 275 for 1.5 hours. It was amazing. My guests could not stop eating it. Not one crumb left!!” - Marie
Pumpkin Mac n Cheese with Amaretti Crust

Pumpkin Mac n Cheese with Amaretti Crust

“A creamy mac and cheese with roasted pumpkin, sage, plenty of cheese and an amaretti crumb topping.” - Kevin
Easy Macaroni and Cheese Bites Appetizer

Easy Macaroni and Cheese Bites Appetizer

“Indulge in your favorite comfort food, minus the guilt, with our homemade macaroni and cheese bites. I've added toasted Panko, bacon and parsley to give this dish a gourmet edge.” - Sylvia
Baked Broccoli with Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Broccoli with Macaroni and Cheese

“Basically, a revved up macaroni and cheese. This is a super easy, versatile meatless recipe that can be served up as the entree or as a side dish.” - Glenda
Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

“Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy explosion! You need to make this immediately!” - Paula
Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

“Creamy with loads of bacon. Just the right amount of heat. Definitely not for every day, but it's a wonderful treat!” - Diane
JD's Fried Macaroni and Cheese

JD's Fried Macaroni and Cheese

“Prepare for big smiles after watching someone bite into these macaroni and cheese balls. Once you bite through the crispy outside, the center of the ball is gooey, cheesy and everything you love about mac and cheese. Great for game day, girls night or even a party appetizer. They do take a bit of time, but worth every minute.” - Kitchen Crew
Tri-Color Spinach And Artichoke Mac And Cheese

Tri-Color Spinach And Artichoke Mac And Cheese

“Mac and cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods and I loved the addition of spinach and artichokes to this one-pot recipe. Nice and cheesy, with a hint of spice, I couldn't stop eating this. So good!” - Kitchen Crew
Karen's Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Karen's Mac and Cheese with Bacon

“I'm not sure there are many flavors that pair better than bacon and cheese. The more cheese (and bacon) the better and this recipe is packed with both! I love the variety of cheeses... makes for creamy mac and cheese. The bacon adds a bit of a salty, smoky flavor that compliments the cheesy goodness.” - Kitchen Crew
Jason's Drunken Beer & Bacon Mac and Cheese

Jason's Drunken Beer & Bacon Mac and Cheese

“Yummm! Everyone loves a good mac and cheese. Add bacon and beer to it... wow, takes it over the top! It was really good and creamy from the stovetop. Just as good after it was baked too. Great comfort food.” - Kitchen Crew