5 Irresistible New Mac and Cheese Recipes
Five rich and tasty recipes for the ultimate one-dish meal: mac and cheese.
By Sarah Hearn Morrison|Dec 29 2025|
One of my greatest food memories happened 25 years ago when I was a recent college graduate backpacking through Europe. At a small Italian trattoria, I watched a nonna pour steaming risotto into a hollowed-out wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. She stirred and stirred with a wooden spoon until the rice turned creamy and fragrant, with an aroma that was buttery, nutty, and savory. It was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted.
Whatever the form, cheese plus carbs is pure bliss, the ultimate comfort food. Around the world, there are countless variations—pastitsio in Greece, gratin de pâtes in France, Germany’s käsespätzle—but here in America, we have perfected mac and cheese. Once considered a quintessential kid’s food from a box, today’s mac and cheese has grown up, evolving into a dish that can be elegant or playful—always cozy and always perfect on a freezing New England night.
A classic homemade version begins with butter and flour stirred together into a roux. Whisk in some milk until smooth and thickened, and you have a classic béchamel sauce. Then comes cheese. Cheddar is the traditional choice, but mixing in other cheeses adds complexity. I love a combination of melty cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and Parmesan for depth. Give a little thought to your pasta, too: Elbows are iconic, but shapes like penne, rotini, and fusilli hold the sauce beautifully. Finish with a lid of bubbling cheese for maximum gooeyness or a buttery panko topping for crunch. With added vegetables or proteins, you have a one-dish meal that’s endlessly customizable.
To that end, we are spotlighting five delicious variations here: a cheesy, creamy, breadcrumb-topped classic; a veggie-packed spinach and artichoke; chicken and broccoli; roasted butternut squash; and even a mac and cheese Bolognese. With all these options, you’ll be warm and happy all winter.
Note: Mac and cheese is a great make-ahead dish. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate to bake later that day, or even the next. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave.
Get the Recipes:
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Roasted Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Bolognese Mac and Cheese
