14+ Simple Mac and Cheese Recipes
On June 13, 2025
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Whether you’re looking to take your standard mac and cheese recipes up a notch, want to top things off with some BBQ flavor, or just need a creative way to use those leftovers, this guide has you covered.
I’ve been making BBQ for my family of five for over a decade, so I’ve had to get pretty creative when it comes to sides. One of my go-to sides when grilling or smoking meats is mac and cheese. This creamy classic goes great with any meat, but even the classics can get boring after a while. That’s why I put together this collection of recipes to help you shake up your mac and cheese menu.
What you’ll find below is over a dozen unique and satisfying mac and cheese recipes perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite, a flavorful mix-in, or a delicious way to use those leftovers, your next favorite is here.
Classic Mac and Cheese Recipes
First up, let’s cover the classics. From simple, elevated answers to the boxed stuff to big-boy versions that make a whole meal, you’re sure to find something that sparks your hunger.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
This is my OG mac and cheese. I created this recipe because I love mac and cheese, but wanted a grown-up version. This ooey-gooey dish uses 3 different varieties of cheese, plus a crunchy, buttery panko topping for the perfect contrast to this creamy comfort food.
You’ll find elements of this classic in all my Hey Grill Hey mac recipes. And like all of them, you can make this on your smoker, your grill, or in your oven. But if you ask me, nothing compares to the smoked option.
Grilled Mac and Cheese
All the cheesy, melty goodness you want in mac and cheese, but with the convenience of the grill. This recipe makes an awesome side option when you already have the grill fired up for some classic burgers or perfect ribeye steaks.
If you want to see the kind of cheese pull these grilled version creates, check out the how-to video on my YouTube channel.
Easy 4-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
Velveeta, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk in a cast-iron skillet on your grill or stovetop, stir in your favorite noodles: that’s it. Finish it off with some salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a satisfying meal even the pickiest eaters will love, all in under 30 minutes.
Okay, so that’s technically 6 ingredients. I put a little salt and pepper in everything, though. Don’t you?
Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese
Give a whole new meaning to the word creamy with this cheesy, ooey-gooey Creamy Mac and Cheese. With butter, milk, and heavy cream, this recipe puts even the creamiest of competitors to shame.
This extra creamy mac goes perfect alongside some of my smoked 321 Ribs and a few homemade rolls.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
If you love smoky flavor in your mac (who doesn’t), but don’t have the time for a full smoke session, this is the recipe for you. By adding smoked gouda into the mix, you get those smoky notes without ever firing up the smoker.
You can make my Smoked Gouda following this recipe, so you have it on hand when you want to make these cheater “smoked” mac and cheese. You can also make it with regular gouda, but why would you?
Smoked Mac and Cheese Casserole
This casserole takes everything you love about my Smoked Mac and Cheese, but serves up in easily-portioned squares. This is a perfect option when you want to serve mac and cheese on the side of your BBQ rather than all over it.
I recommend making extra because this dish is guaranteed to go quick. And trust me, you’re going to want those leftovers.
Mix-and-Mac and Cheese Recipes
These mix-and-mac recipes combine the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with bold BBQ flavors and crowd-favorite toppings.
Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
This post is all about my mac and cheese recipes, but it’s still a Hey Grill Hey post. You know I had to include a little bit of BBQ. Creamy mac topped with heaping piles of Smoked Pulled Pork, this dish is a party for your mouth.
I’ve got several pulled pork recipes here on the site, as well as in the Hey Grill Hey App, so you’ve got plenty of flavor options available.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
You just can’t go wrong with a heaping amount of bacon on top of your mac and cheese. This Bacon Mac and Cheese is the grown up version of that comfort food you know and love from your childhood, but with bacon!
I’ve got a delicious recipe for Homemade Smoked Bacon, if you want to make this dish totally from scratch.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
This recipe might be the ultimate in indulgent comfort food. Loaded with tender chunks of lobster, and 3-cheese sauce, and bold seasoning, this Lobster Mac and Cheese is impossible to resist.
Check out my recipes for Smoked Lobster Tail and Grilled Lobster Tail. Sprinkle tender chunks of either of these recipes over the top of your mac to take it, well, over the top.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you’re a fan of Buffalo sauce, you have to try this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. With a Buffalo-sauce infused cheese and Buffalo chicken thigh topping, this mac and cheese has everything you need for the ultimate meal.
Try it with some of this Homemade Buffalo Sauce recipe next time if you want to make this totally from scratch.
Smoky Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
Jalapeños, and bacon, and bratwurst, oh my! This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is over the top delicious. Loaded with bacon, sausage, and extra cheese before getting a tender kiss of hardwood smoke.
You may not know it yet, but this is your new favorite food. Your death-row last meal request. If you’re ready for that kind of commitment, click the link.
Smoked Chili Mac
There may be no combination more hearty, filling, and absolutely delicious than Chili Mac. This version combines my Smoked Mac and Cheese with my Ground Beef Chili for a whole new experience.
Most of the mac recipes in this post work great for Chili Mac. You can also check out this chili guide for more pairing options.
Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipes
Why reheat leftover mac and cheese when you can turn it into something completely new and yummy? These recipes turn yesterday’s comfort food into today’s masterpiece. These recipes might be even better than the original mac.
Mac and Cheese Bites
What’s better than mac and cheese? Mac and cheese you can eat with your hands. These crispy, creamy, deep-fried Mac and Cheese Bites are the kind of snack that stops conversations for appreciation.
Remember how I said you’d want some of that casserole left? That’s because it makes the perfect filling for these beautiful bites!
Mac and Cheese Burgers
If you want an awesome grilled entree and side all in one, this is your recipe. You get all the creamy, gooey goodness of mac and cheese stuffed into a perfectly-grilled beef patty. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind burger your family will love.
Make these stuffed Mac and Cheese Burgers when wnat you deliver big flavor in a whole new way right in your own backyard.
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Don’t just bookmark this collection, make these recipes. Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll discover your new go-to comfort food combinations. Start with the classics if you’re new to the game, then work up to the mix-ins. When you use a Hey Grill Hey recipe, you know you can make it with confidence.
Follow my Facebook and Instagram pages for behind-the-scenes cooking videos, tips, and all the cheese pulls your heart desires. I love seeing your creations too, so tag @heygrillhey when you make any of these. I cheering on your backyard victories! Now get out there, fire up that grill or smoker, and become a Backyard BBQ Hero.
