Our 10 Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes

Your new favorite mac and cheese recipe is here.

Published on November 28, 2024

high angle looking at a green bowl full of slow cooker mac and cheese — Credits:
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Meet our 10 best homemade mac and cheese recipes! With a history spanning more than two decades on Allrecipes, these recipes are tried and tested with hundreds of glowing reviews; you're guaranteed to find a new classic mac and cheese recipe that'll have everyone clamoring for seconds.

01 of 10

Simple Macaroni and Cheese

overhead view of a full bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with black pepper and — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

This stovetop mac and cheese from scratch has hundreds of 5-star reviews like this one: "Just made this today and it was SO easy and tasty. I added a bit more salt just because I like things a bit saltier. Perfect for when you're super hungry and have a hankering for mac and cheese but don't want to make a complicated recipe."

View Recipe

02 of 10

Mouse's Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese on a white dish — Photo by Dianne.

Cheesy meets easy. A little mustard powder gives this mac and cheese a secret little kick. This cheesy, creamy, top-rated recipe features two kinds of cheese melted on the stove before the casserole is baked.

View Recipe

03 of 10

Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese

high angle looking at a green casserole dish of mac and cheese with a spoonful resting inside — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

If it's Mom's favorite, you know it's good! This recipe features some flavor enhancers like onion and mustard powder and the public has spoken — they love it! "This is the best homemade mac and cheese recipe I've found by a long shot. My boyfriend is a notoriously picky eater, particularly about mac and cheese, and he loved this one. I think what sets it apart from other recipes I've tried is melting the cheese first."

View Recipe

04 of 10

Home Style Macaroni and Cheese

The secret ingredient in this mac and cheese is cream cheese, along with Cheddar and a touch of Dijon mustard. It comes together fast and bakes in less than 20 minutes.

View Recipe

05 of 10

Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

close up view of Macaroni and Cheese on a plate — Sherri

Don't knock it till you've tried it: The microwave means good-and-gooey mac and cheese in minutes. "A nice alternative to baked macaroni and cheese," says Kristin Gowin. "Vary the recipe by using farfalle, fusilli, or rotini pasta. You may add cooked chicken or tuna to this recipe for a more hearty meal."

View Recipe

06 of 10

Mac and Cheese II

A classic with shredded Cheddar and Velveeta that's been a favorite with the Allrecipes community for more than a quarter of a century. "This recipe is so simple to make!" says KROB919. "It can be a side dish with meatloaf and stewed tomatoes or hold its own."

View Recipe

07 of 10

Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

a bowl of baked macaroni and cheese — lutzflcat

"I made this more than once and it's always a huge hit! I really like that the crackers make the mac and cheese taste buttery. I do add extra cheese in to make sure it's a cheesy delicious dinner that my family and especially I will always enjoy!" says reviewer Brittany T.

View Recipe

08 of 10

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Take about 5 minutes to set it all up in the morning, then let the slow cooker cooker do the rest. "This creamy, comforting meal takes just moments to assemble and is always a big hit," says Cathy P. "Great for large family gatherings and to take to potluck dinners."

View Recipe

09 of 10

Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

a light blue plate of mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Chef John's mac and cheese is for fans of crispy, crusty goodness. And don't sleep on the Chef's video, either. As reviewer Jane mentions: "Love this recipe, and the video has some great tips!"

View Recipe

10 of 10

Creamiest Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a white, oval casserole dish — Allrecipes

Nicole McLaughlin takes her mac and cheese seriously, and this recipe provides unequivocal proof. Not to mention that with a solid five-star rating, you can be sure this recipe is a winner. As put by one Allrecipes member, "I’ve made this recipe several times now and it IS the BEST! My ‘go to’ creamy mac and cheese recipe loved by my husband and my father! The cream cheese takes this over the top! Thank you for the video and this winning recipe!"

View Recipe