18 Mac and Cheese Recipes for Grown-Ups (2024)

If you're a fan of Reuben sandwiches, try out this mac and cheese recipe that includes sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, and rye bread croutons.

Recipe: Reuben Mac and Cheese

Shake up the classic mac 'n cheese with this gourmet crabmeat- and chive-stuffed version.

Recipe: Chesapeake Bay Mac 'n' Cheese

Salsa verde and pepper jack cheese give a flavor boost to good old mac and cheese.

Recipe: Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese

We top our casserole with panko, bread crumbs traditionally used in Japanese cooking as a coating for fried foods. Much coarser than the ones Americans are familiar with, these jagged-edge crumbs produce a crisper, crunchier coating.

Recipe: Multigrain Mac and Cheese with Creamy Tomato-Basil Sauce

Paprika adds smoky flavor to this super-creamy dish that includes Fontina, cheddar, and mascarpone. Cheese crisps replace the usual bread crumbs on top.

Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Cheese Crisps

Elevate your mac 'n' cheese experience with this fast and fiercely delicious bacon- and red pepper-flecked dish.

Recipe: Bacon-Red Pepper Mac 'n Cheese

Leafy greens add extra nutrition to this deliciously gooey mac and cheese recipe.

Recipe: Spinach Mac and Cheese

This baked mac 'n cheese hides cauliflower and carrots in the cheese sauce, making it a perfect meal for decadence and nutrients.

Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Few people would deny that broccoli and cheese taste heavenly together — so we've combined the two in this creamy, vegetarian macaroni and cheese.

Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Mac and Cheese

Every adult deserves to eat a creamy and cheesy meal now and then. Try Mom's Mac 'n Cheese when the kids are not at home and treat yourself to this traditional American dinner full of flavor and history.

Recipe: Mom's Mac 'n Cheese

Get rid of the guilt, and still enjoy old kid favorites like macaroni and cheese — just make sure to add some green veggies, like in this easy version.

Recipe: Lean Green Mac 'n Cheese

The addition of kielbasa sausage makes mac and cheese a hearty meal that's ready in under an hour so you don't have to work to put together dinner when you get home from work.

Recipe: Cajun Mac and Cheese

Predictable: Our classic Mac and Cheese, with its 1 1/4 pounds of cheese, has 640 calories and 30 fat grams per serving. Surprising: Our revamped version, with reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk, is just as creamy and flavorful but has only 420 calories and 12 fat grams for the same serving size. Bonus: M&C Lite packs 5 grams fiber (whole wheat pasta!). Serve this at your next gathering, and be sure to have copies of the recipe — fans will be clamoring.

Recipe: Healthy Makeover: Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese becomes an elegant passed appetizer when served in dainty ramekins. Our version features sharp white cheddar and Gruyère.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Hors d'Oeuvre

Meet the grown-up version of mac 'n cheese, filled with sausage, fresh tomato, and meaty mushrooms.

Recipe: Sausage Pie Mac 'n Cheese

Our zesty version of macaroni and cheese combines two rich Italian cheeses and fresh sage with a generous sprinkling of salt-cured ham. Little tube pasta (ditalini) replaces elbow macaroni.

Recipe: Sage Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Forget the box! This homemade macaroni and cheese is easy, tastier, and takes only 40 minutes!

Recipe: Broccoli Mac 'n Cheese

This macaroni and cheese may be reminiscent in spirit to the scrumptious dish you had as a kid, but the rich, complex flavors will surely please your matured taste buds.

Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese