14 Delicious Mac and Cheese Variations Recipes
So picture this: the holiday table is packed, everyone’s pretending to be polite, and then someone sets down a bubbling dish of mac and cheese.
Suddenly, manners vanish. Forks fly. Elbows appear. Why? Because mac and cheese isn’t just a side—it’s the emotional support dish of the holidays.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, comfort-food lovers, or that one relative who “doesn’t usually like carbs” (sure, Jan), these 14 mac and cheese variations will absolutely steal the spotlight.
Let’s make your holiday table legendary.
1. Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: This is the gold standard. No gimmicks, just pure cheesy comfort.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt & black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil macaroni until just tender.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk.
- Stir in cheese until smooth and dreamy.
- Combine with pasta and bake until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
It tastes like childhood holidays, but better. IMO, this version never goes out of style—and it shouldn’t.
2. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Bold, savory, and just fancy enough for grown-up tables.
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Butter
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Make a creamy sauce with butter, milk, and Parmesan.
- Mix with pasta and bake lightly.
Why You’ll Love It
Garlic lovers, this one’s for you. I once doubled the garlic and zero regrets followed.
3. Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Smooth, rich, and subtly sharp.
Ingredients
- White cheddar
- Pasta shells
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Whisk together a creamy sauce.
- Stir in cheese and combine.
Why You’ll Love It
It melts perfectly and looks elegant on the table—yes, mac and cheese can dress up.
4. Broccoli Cheddar Holiday Mac
Why it’s awesome: Veggies make it feel responsible.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Macaroni
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam broccoli until tender.
- Make a classic cheese sauce.
- Fold everything together and bake.
Why You’ll Love It
You get greens and cheese. That’s balance, right?
5. Baked Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: More cheese = more joy.
Ingredients
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make a creamy base sauce.
- Add cheeses gradually.
- Bake until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Each bite hits differently. FYI, this disappears fast.
6. Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Sneaky greens, holiday-approved.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Cheddar
- Milk
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wilt spinach quickly.
- Stir into cheese sauce.
- Combine with pasta and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
It feels fancy without trying too hard.
7. Stove-Top Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: No oven, no stress.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Cheese
- Milk
- Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Make sauce in the same pot.
- Stir everything together.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for last-minute holiday chaos. Been there.
8. Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Topping
Why it’s awesome: Texture matters.
Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Cheddar
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare mac and cheese.
- Toss breadcrumbs with butter.
- Bake until crispy.
Why You’ll Love It
That crunch? Life-changing.
9. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Creamy with natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Cheddar
- Milk
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash cooked sweet potatoes.
- Blend into cheese sauce.
- Mix with pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Holiday vibes without being heavy.
10. Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Lighter, but still cozy.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Cheese
- Milk
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam cauliflower.
- Blend into sauce.
- Combine with pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Even veggie skeptics approve.
11. Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions
Why it’s awesome: Sweet and savory magic.
Ingredients
- Onions
- Cheddar
- Butter
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slowly caramelize onions.
- Stir into cheese sauce.
- Mix with pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
It tastes like effort—even if it wasn’t.
12. Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Extra creamy, zero regrets.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar
- Milk
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt cream cheese into sauce.
- Add cheddar.
- Mix with pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Silky smooth and totally indulgent.
13. One-Pot Holiday Mac and Cheese
Why it’s awesome: Fewer dishes = happiness.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Milk
- Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta in milk.
- Stir in cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Your sink stays clean. Enough said.
14. Baked Mac and Cheese for a Crowd
Why it’s awesome: Feeds everyone.
Ingredients
- Extra pasta
- Extra cheese
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Double the recipe.
- Bake in a large dish.
- Watch it vanish.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the dish people ask about next year.
Final Thoughts
Mac and cheese belongs on every holiday table—no debate required.
These 14 delicious mac and cheese variations bring comfort, flavor, and flexibility, whether you want classic, veggie-packed, or ultra-creamy goodness.
Pick one, or let’s be honest—make two. Holidays only come once a year, and mac and cheese always understands the assignment.
