10+ Macaroni Recipes to Brighten Your Dinner Table

Macaroni recipes are such an easy way to whip up meals that just about everyone will eat. You can make them creamy, bake them, or try something totally different.

These recipes let you turn basic ingredients into comforting food that fits your taste and time.

Whether you’re after a quick solo dinner or something to bring to the table for friends, macaroni recipes give you lots of easy options. You can swap in different cheeses, sauces, or add-ins to keep things fresh.

Most macaroni dishes need pasta, cheese, milk, and butter, but the details change depending on what you’re making.

The steps are usually straightforward, guiding you to a solid dinner with minimal stress.

1) Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

You can make baked mac and cheese with elbow macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce. Just cook the pasta until it’s almost done.

Melt butter, stir in flour, and whisk in milk for a smooth base. Add shredded cheddar and keep mixing.

Pour the sauce and pasta into a baking dish. Bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

It’s the kind of comfort food that never gets old.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
6. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni; season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

For details, you can check this Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe.

2) Ree Drummond’s Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Ree Drummond’s macaroni and cheese is super creamy and packed with cheese. Elbow macaroni gets cooked until it’s just right.

Start the sauce with a classic roux—just butter and flour. Pour in milk slowly and whisk until it thickens.

Add a heap of cheddar for that rich flavor. You can either serve it right off the stove or bake it with extra cheese on top for a crispy finish.

Your family will probably ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Slowly add milk while whisking. Cook until sauce thickens.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Add macaroni to sauce and stir to combine.
7. Serve as is or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes with extra cheese on top.

3) Simple 7-Ingredient Mac and Cheese

This one’s for those nights when you just want to toss a few things together and eat. Only seven ingredients, but you still get that creamy, cozy mac and cheese.

Boil elbow macaroni until tender. Melt butter, then mix in cheese and milk for the sauce.

Stir the pasta and cheese sauce together. Bake it until you see a golden, bubbly top.

It’s perfect for a quick dinner when you don’t want to overthink things.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 6 cups half-and-half
• 12 large eggs
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
4. Slowly add half-and-half and cheeses, stirring until smooth.
5. Beat eggs and mix into the cheese sauce.
6. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
7. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This recipe is based on a 7-Cheese Mac & Cheese version.

4) Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

You can throw together creamy stovetop mac and cheese in no time. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until it’s tender.

Melt butter in a pan, then stir in cheese and milk until smooth. Try using a mix of cheeses for extra creaminess.

Season with salt, pepper, and maybe some mustard powder if you’re into that. Stir the pasta into the sauce and heat it through.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in salted water until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain pasta and set aside.
3. Melt butter over medium heat.
4. Slowly add milk and cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Add salt, pepper, and mustard powder if using.
6. Stir pasta into cheese sauce until fully mixed and heated through.
7. Serve warm.

For a helpful recipe guide, check this creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese.

5) 3-Ingredient One-Pot Mac and Cheese

This one’s ridiculously easy—just three ingredients, all in one pot. Cleanup is a breeze, so you can just relax after dinner.

Boil macaroni in hot water with a bit of salt and some evaporated milk. Stir in your cheese until it’s all melty and smooth.

It’s comfort food without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 cups hot water
• 6 ounces evaporated milk
• 6 ounces grated cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large nonstick pot, combine macaroni, hot water, evaporated milk, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook until the macaroni is tender, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Serve warm.

For more details, see the 3-Ingredient One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe.

6) Panko-Parmesan Topped Mac and Cheese

Want a little crunch with your creamy mac and cheese? Top it with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Mix panko, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle this over your mac and cheese before baking.

Bake until the topping turns golden and crispy. That contrast with the creamy noodles underneath is just so satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Egg
• Cheddar cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni until al dente and drain.
2. Make a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk.
3. Stir in shredded cheese and egg, then mix with macaroni.
4. Pour into a baking dish.
5. Mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika for topping.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7) Contest-Winning Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese really brings it. The sauce is rich and coats every noodle, and you get a golden crust from baking.

It’s great for holidays or just when you need something extra cozy. The crunchy breadcrumb topping makes each bite interesting.

Ingredients

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, add cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir until melted.
6. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni; transfer to a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

You can find more tips and the full recipe here.

8) Ultra Cheesy Mac and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is all about the cheese. The sauce is made from scratch, so you get that real, deep cheese flavor.

Baking at 350°F (175°C) melts everything together. If you broil it for a few minutes at the end, you’ll get a golden crust on top.

Adding a crunchy topping like Panko or Parmesan gives it some texture. Serve it as a main or a side—either way, it’s a hit.

Ingredients

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, then drain it.

2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

3. Stir in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Slowly whisk in the milk and keep stirring until the mixture thickens up.

5. Add the cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.

6. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.

7. Sprinkle some Panko on top if you want a crispy finish.

8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

9. Broil for 2-3 minutes to get that golden brown top.

9) Macaroni Salad with Creamy Dressing

You can whip up a tasty macaroni salad by mixing cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy dressing. Usually, the dressing has mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of milk or evaporated milk to keep things smooth.

Toss in some fresh veggies like chopped celery, onion, and bell peppers for crunch and color. Season it with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a little mustard if you like a tangy kick.

Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before you serve it. That way, the flavors get a chance to blend together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, and mustard.

3. Add the veggies, salt, and pepper to the dressing and give it a good stir.

4. Toss the macaroni with the dressing until everything’s fully coated.

5. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Learn more about creamy macaroni salad at creamy pasta salad recipe.

10) Cheddar Sauce Macaroni Bake

You’ll love this baked macaroni with its creamy cheddar sauce. It’s one of those comfort meals you keep coming back to.

The cheese sauce comes together by melting butter and flour, then adding milk and a heap of sharp cheddar. Once it’s smooth and cheesy, mix it with cooked macaroni.

Pour everything into a baking dish and bake until it’s bubbly and golden on top. If you’re into a little crunch, toss some breadcrumbs over the top before baking.

You can use whatever cheese blend you like, or maybe add a pinch of mustard powder if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the macaroni as the package says. Drain it well.

2. Toss some butter into a pot and let it melt over medium heat.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute or two.

4. Pour the milk in slowly, whisking the whole time. Let it thicken up.

5. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and gets nice and smooth.

6. Mix that cheesy sauce with the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper—taste as you go.

7. Scoop everything into a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Wait for it to get golden and bubbly.