Homemade Macaroni & Cheese Recipes

by Mandi on August 4, 2011

macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes
macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes
macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes macaroni & cheese recipes

Macaroni and cheese is a staple in our home, but I have never really found a homemade recipe that I loved. Then I came across Jamie Oliver’s Macaroni and Cauilflower Cheese Bake (#5), and let me tell you…it changed the way we view mac ‘n cheese! It is so incredibly simple, and a much healthier version of this American classic…with or without the cauliflower. Of course, then I started to see even more variations on Pinterest, and now I can’t wait to try all of these!

macaroni & cheese recipes
1. Three-Cheese Mini Macs | Food & Wine

macaroni & cheese recipes

2. Macaroni & Cheese with Mix-Ins | The Ktcnn

macaroni & cheese recipes

3. Perfect Mac ‘n Cheese in Individual Bowls | Shine from Yahoo!

macaroni & cheese recipes

4. Panera-Style Mac ‘n Cheese | Victory or Death in the Kitchen

macaroni & cheese recipes

5. Jamie Oliver’s Macaroni & Cauliflower Cheese Bake | Culinate

macaroni & cheese recipes

6. Cheeseburger Macaroni | Kevin & Amanda

macaroni & cheese recipes

7. Macaroni and Cheese with Crunchy Crumb Topping | Project Foodie

macaroni & cheese recipes

8. Broccoli and White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese | The Craving Chronicles

macaroni & cheese recipes

9. Slow-Baked Mac ‘n Cheese | A Whisk and a Prayer

Want to see more? Be sure to check out my Mac & Cheese, Let Me Count the Ways board on Pinterest!

What’s your favorite way to make homemade mac ‘n cheese?


  • http://www.facebook.com/alicia.keen Alicia Keen

    I floss after every meal!

    pixystik4uatgmaildotcom

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      I’m impressed! Do you do it when you’re out as well, or just when you’re at home?

  • http://marcijo.blogspot.com/ Marci @ Rancho Relaxo

    Not ripping things open with your teeth.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Deanna-Rossman-Frey/1261315102 Deanna Rossman Frey

    I lightly brush my gums every time I brush my teeth. Keeps them healthy!

    DeannaF00@gmail.com

  • Katherine

    Brush your tongue too!

  • Terry

    I chew teeth whitening gum.

  • Kristinceleste

    I make my own zero-waste toothpaste from ingredients that I had on hand; recipe to follow:

    3 tbs baking soda
    3 tbs coconut oil
    2 tsp vegetable glycerin
    2 tsp aloe juice
    1 tsp hydrogen peroxide
    1/2 stevia packet
    5 drops peppermint oil
    10 drops spearmint oil
    5 drops cinnamon leaf oil

    Mix ingredients into a smooth paste. store in a covered jar in the fridge.  Every other week, I add fluoride to the toothpaste that I receive from my dentist to help limit my exposure.

    I also make a mouth rinse that I keep in the fridge…cool and refreshing!

  • Teri Martinez

    swishing my mouth with hydrogen peroxide every once in awhile.

  • Anonymous

    I gently brush gums after brushing teeth and floss after each meal.

  • Myra

    I confess that I’m a terrible flosser, but I do brush a few times a day.  And I eat lots of apples. :)

  • Katy

    Wow…I didn’t know that about strawberries! How interesting! :) One thing that is important for good oral care is trying to get a dental check-up, at least once a year for a super-good cleaning! :)

  • Sweetergreen

    I just floss and brush daily :)

  • Amysfinerthings

    I avoid, and try to insist that my children avoid, sticky candies.  I’d rather them eat a big ‘ol bowl of ice cream instead of a little package of “fruit snacks.”  That sticky stuff is… sticky!  ;)

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      I agree, Amy — it makes me cringe inside whenever someone gives my children that type of candy. I want to rush them right off to brush their teeth!

  • Shannon

    I brush several times a day, but admit I don’t floss quite as much as I should!

  • Lisa Vance

    brush morning and night (and maybe more often), floss daily and I keep the little floss picks in my purse and car to use when dining out and traveling.

  • Lisa

    Not smoking and not drinking soda are important to keep teeth clean and healthy. Also, make sure to not skip regular checkups and cleanings. altern147 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  • http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com Miranda

    Not that I do this often but my dentist says to brush right after breakfast and before bed.

  • Cjabdelnour

    I brush my teeth morning and night and use Listerine. I remember my Mom saying to eat the crust of toast and that it would help clean your teeth. And guess what? That’s what I told my 4 sons!!!!!!!!

  • Susm62

    I drink a lot of water, especially after spicy, sugary, or “colored” food/drink (like cola, coffee, etc.). Floss daily too.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4OPWXFZKEAXXH7NUCWNYHTG52A trungchem2002

    I brush my teeth 3 times a day (morning, noon, night) and use mouthwash after main meals. 

  • http://openid.aol.com/dove056 Cindy

    I brush morning and evening and use Crest Pro-Health after each brush
    Dove056 at aol dot com

  • Miranda

    I swish with water after eating.

  • http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com Joyce and Norm

    Flossing daily and no candy.

    Bummer on the blueberries because my girls love them.

  • http://profiles.google.com/sholland33 Shell Holland

    My dentist told me to always floss BEFORE brushing.  I used to floss after brushing and he told me that the floss loosens some stuff that doesn’t come out unless you brush afterwards.

  • Jasie

    I chew sugarless gum when I cannot brush right away, especially if I have had something sugary.

  • Kwallace004

    After I am done eating I swish water in my mouth a few times.

  • amber

    i try to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D as well

  • Nicole

    I try to stop a few times a day and consciously relax the muscles in my jaw. I have a tendency to clench my teeth (and possibly grind at night) so the relaxation exercises help me from grinding them away!

  • Juliekay

    I chew gum after every meal! 

  • Scubajessica

    I drink homemade bone broth to help my body intake more minerals to restore teeth. It must work, because I had NO cavities for the first time in my life, and since my last appointment 5 years ago!

  • Rebecca

    Flossing everyday is a must.

  • Ashley P

    Mouthwash or water in addition to regular brushing of course! 

  • Ashley P

    Mouthwash or water in addition to regular brushing of course! 

  • http://www.pootsandpans.com Sarah Myers

    I mainly drink water and avoid sugary drinks.

  • Ky G

    Cool giveaway!

    Flossing and brushing twice daily.I love a fresh mouth!

  • Ky G

    Cool giveaway!

    Flossing and brushing twice daily.I love a fresh mouth!

  • Jessica

    We make sure we visit the dentist every 6 months for a good cleaning.  My son actually went today for his 6 month check-up!

  • Jessica

    We make sure we visit the dentist every 6 months for a good cleaning.  My son actually went today for his 6 month check-up!

  • Lesley

    Our dentist said fruit snacks are very bad for teeth, so we don’t have them around the house anymore. We promote real fruit for in-between meal snacks, especially apples!

  • Tina M

    I brush 3 times a day!!

  • http://nulandnews.blogspot.com/ Carmen

    Chewing gum can also help, but not if you have TMJ (jaw problems). I try and stay away from sodas and drink mostly water.

  • http://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0 Crave to Save

    Our family avoids candy and sugary drinks that enable the speed-up of tooth decay. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • http://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0 Crave to Save

    Our family avoids candy and sugary drinks that enable the speed-up of tooth decay. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Mari

    I suggest trying to wean yourself off of soda. It really stains teeth.
    I know because I was a soda addict for many years. I was finally able to kick the habit by adding a quarter of diet soda to regular soda, then gradually increasing the amount of diet soda to the drink. I then added water to the soda, until the soda became more and more diluted. Eventually I replaced soda with water, and my teeth look much better!

    runningmatey at
    hotmail dot com

  • Mari

    I suggest trying to wean yourself off of soda. It really stains teeth.
    I know because I was a soda addict for many years. I was finally able to kick the habit by adding a quarter of diet soda to regular soda, then gradually increasing the amount of diet soda to the drink. I then added water to the soda, until the soda became more and more diluted. Eventually I replaced soda with water, and my teeth look much better!

    runningmatey at
    hotmail dot com

  • Skkorman

    Flossing daily and using an oral rinse like Listerine or Scope helps quite a bit. Also, I’ve read that eating a hard cheese like cheddar is good for removing plaque.

  • Donna L

    I use an electric toothbrush that works great for you teeth and gums.

  • aj

    I use a battery operated toothbrush. It seems to get them cleaner, at least I like to think so :O)

  • Cindi

    I brush several times a day, but not always after meals.  I am not a big fan of apples, but when I do eat them they’re usually with peanut butter :) .  So, I should definitely brush after that!  I’ve been reading up on how to better care for my kids teeth and this Mom’s Guide has been a great help.  I love the tips it gives on caring for their teeth.  I hope you enjoy it too!  http://www.1dental.com/moms-guide/

  • Crystal K.

    I have really had to break myself from chewing on things that I shouldn’t and/or opening items with my teeth. The dentist thought I might be grinding my teeth, but I’m sure it was just me being rough with them, so I knew I had to be more careful.

  • http://profiles.google.com/kolpin4680 kolpin l

    i’ve finally kicked the popcorn habit!

  • http://concorddentist4u.com/ Nathan Bedingfield

    Flossing is the best way to take care of your teeth. Brushing your teeth won’t be as effective without it, though you need to do that for effective flossing too. Well, the best way to take care of your teeth is to have a daily dental care routine. And going to the dentist at least once a year would be good as well.

  • http://concorddentist4u.com/ Nathan Bedingfield

    Flossing is the best way to take care of your teeth. Brushing your teeth won’t be as effective without it, though you need to do that for effective flossing too. Well, the best way to take care of your teeth is to have a daily dental care routine. And going to the dentist at least once a year would be good as well.

  • Sue Peterson

    I have not tried it yet, but plan to do so tonight.  As someone who is trying to lose a little weight, I thought my mac n cheese days were over.  But Hungry Girl has inspired me to try this:  Frozen broccoli and cheese with penne pasta and laughing cow cheese!  I am craving some mac n cheese, so this seems like a good time to try it!

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Sounds delicious!

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Sounds delicious!

  • Elizabeth Rhodes

    Best Recipe!  Definitely! Mine.3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni.  (cook with about 2 tsp salt, in boiling water, 10 minutes.  Drain)  
    Melt 1 stick butter in large saucepan/boiler.  Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup flour and 1 tsp. salt.  Stir until smooth.  Return to heat and bubble and add 3 1/2 cups milk, stirring with whisk, constantly, until mixture is thick and a few boiling bubbles appear.  Remove from heat and stir in 16 oz. grated or cubed sharp cheddar cheese – stir until cheese is melted.   Mix this cheese sauce with cooked/drained macaroni and place the mixture in large casserole, greased with butter or spray.  Cook uncovered in 375 degree oven 30 to 40 minutes – until brown and bubbly throughout.

    That’s it. Simble, basic, uncomplicated.  Purely Mac and Cheese.

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth — I’m gonna try it!

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth — I’m gonna try it!

  • Deb

    super simple recipe -melt 3TBS butter in pot, add 3TBS flour and mix together to form a paste consistency, add 1 1/2 c milk and bring to the boil while stirring, then add 1 1/2 c shredded cheese (s) and some salt and pepper to taste and stir til all cheese melted.

    mix together with pasta (have no idea how much i make but this is enough for a large family).

    i mostly make this for my 1 child who loves mac n cheese (my younger daughter and I are lactose intolerant so we + dh eat a red sauce or bolognaise while dd1 eats this).  i freeze the leftover sauce in an ice cube tray and use 2 cubes per portion when making up a quick dinner for her once a week.

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Ooh, I love the tip about freezing the sauce in cubes. My hubby makes lunch for the girls and he does not like making mac n cheese, but maybe that would convince him to give it another try since he’d just have to thaw them!

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Ooh, I love the tip about freezing the sauce in cubes. My hubby makes lunch for the girls and he does not like making mac n cheese, but maybe that would convince him to give it another try since he’d just have to thaw them!

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