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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Over-the-Top Mac and Cheese Creations You Need to Try

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 11, 2025, updated April 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves, but some creative chefs have taken it to a whole new level. From loaded toppings to unexpected ingredients, these 20 over-the-top mac and cheese creations are sure to impress. Whether you're a fan of spicy flavors, rich meats, or unique twists, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This smoked Gouda mac and cheese is ready in just 20 minutes with only six easy ingredients. It's a creamy dish full of smoky flavor and sun-dried tomatoes, finished with fresh parsley for a nice touch.

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    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb.

    This mac and cheese is rich and creamy, featuring a delicious goat cheese sauce blended with herbs. It's baked until golden with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs and parmesan.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese

    Kimchi Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

    This Kimchi Mac and Cheese is packed with gooey cheese and a crunchy topping, giving a fun twist to the classic dish. With the added zing of refreshing kimchi, it's a great way to enjoy a cheesy meal.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This Indian-inspired mac and cheese is loaded with gooey cheese, spicy jalapeños, and fragrant spices. It's a quick and delicious dish that you can make on the stove or in the Instant Pot, ready to eat in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese served on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

    This mac and cheese is super creamy and packed with protein. It's a quick and filling meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy days.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Gruyere Mac & Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for cheese lovers, packed with Cheddar and Gruyere for a rich, cheesy experience. It's a simple and tasty dish that will hit the spot.

    Get the recipe

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch
    Photo Credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls are a fun and cheesy snack that everyone will enjoy. They're perfect for sharing or just satisfying your craving for something delicious.

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    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This creamy macaroni and cheese is packed with classic American beef chili, making it a perfect comfort food. It's simple to prepare and will be a hit with the whole family, no matter their age.

    Get the recipe

    Brie Mac and Cheese

    Brie Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This mac and cheese features a rich sauce made with Brie cheese, white wine, and heavy cream that perfectly coats the shell pasta. Topped with crunchy cracker crumbs and a quick broil, it’s an easy and tasty vegetarian dish.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Mac and Cheese

    A pan filled with Stovetop Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This version of mac and cheese gives a fun twist to the classic dish. It's easy to whip up with common ingredients, perfect for a quick and delicious meal any day.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with bacon is a deliciously cheesy dish that brings a smoky twist to a classic favorite. This creamy macaroni and cheese is perfect for game day gatherings.

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    Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese

    Creamy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Recipe Tale.

    This mac and cheese is super creamy and packed with cheese, making it a real treat. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for any cheese lover.

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    Masala Mac and Cheese

    Masala Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Masala Mac and Cheese combines the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Indian spices. It's a delicious and filling meal that adds a fun twist to a beloved classic.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

    A bowl of Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Eat Your Beets.

    Enjoy the delicious combination of chili and macaroni, simmered together for a comforting meal. This is a great dish for cozy nights in.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese is easy to whip up with fresh ingredients. It's a fun take on a classic that your family will love for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is super creamy, featuring a mix of cheddar and American cheeses. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low, skipping the step of boiling the pasta first.

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    Caprese Mac and Cheese

    Caprese Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In just 25 minutes and with only 10 ingredients, you can prepare a tasty Caprese Mac and Cheese. This dish combines white cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, grape tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a fun take on a classic.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is filled with lots of gooey cheese and is super simple to prepare—just mix everything together, bake it, and enjoy. With a blend of mozzarella and gorgonzola, it's a cheesy treat that's perfect for any meal.

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    Crispy Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese from a casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This mac and cheese is super cheesy and creamy, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. The thick cheese sauce clings to every noodle, making it a comforting dish.

    Get the recipe

    Mac and Cheese Pizza

    20 Minute Mac and Cheese Pizza
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Bacon mac and cheese pizza brings together the comfort of mac and cheese with the fun of pizza in a simple meal. It's a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese, and your family will love it.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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