18 comforting mac and cheese recipes for the soul

Creamy, cheesy and utterly moreish, a hearty macaroni and cheese bake is the ultimate comfort food.

May 22, 2022 2:00pm

Whether you're looking for a traditional southern-style dish or one stirred through with crispy bacon, seafood or vegetables, you're sure to find inspiration here. It's comfort food at its finest.

We even have a couple of gluten-free and dairy-free or vegan options for you.

Looking for even more macaroni and cheese recipes?

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Tuna mac 'n' cheese

A classic dish with a fishy twist! Serve with oak leaf and mixed herb salad with dijon vinaigrette.

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Buttermilk mac 'n' cheese

This classic dish is delicious served with a leafy green salad.

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Macaroni cheese with olives

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Crunchy macaroni and cheese

The combination of hot, oozy, cheesy pasta and a crunchy toasted bread topping makes this recipe from The Australian Women's Weekly's 'Food For The Soul' cookbook the ultimate comfort food.

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For a quick and easy dinner, try this cheesy macaroni bake.

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This gluten-free, dairy-free macaroni cheese with peas means nobody needs to miss out on the ultimate comfort food.

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Vegan macaroni and cheese with tempeh bacon bits

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and now those going dairy-free can enjoy it too with this vegan mac and cheese recipe.

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Quick bacon and cheese macaroni

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Classic macaroni cheese

Macaroni cheese is the iconic soul-warming comfort food. Made with a proper bechamel sauce and topped with a scattering of crispy breadcrumbs, this version has all the tender, crunch, and cheesiness you could want.

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When you really need cheering up, the only thing better than macaroni cheese is macaroni cheese with oodles of bacon and lashings of pecorino cheese.

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Macaroni cheese

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Candied bacon with mac and pretzel crumb cheese

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Cauliflower mac 'n' cheese

Comfort food with a twist.

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Packed full of delicious flavours and topped with an oozy cheese sauce, this macaroni and bolognese pasta bake is perfect for a hungry family. Serve straight from the pan as a warming Winter dinner.

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Greek mac and cheese

Take the traditional out of mac and cheese and try this opa-mazing Greek-inspired version.

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Mexican mac and cheese

Our take on the traditional mac and cheese is one we're sure you're going to love. We've combined the traditional flavours of Mexican and put it all in one!