16 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes to Change Up Your Family's Routine

By Alessia Santoro

Published on 4/21/2016 at 8:21 PM

If you're finding yourself standing over the stove eating what's at the bottom of the macaroni and cheese pot after you make your kids' dinner more often than not, you're not alone. Macaroni and cheese is a kiddo staple — which we can't fault them for, because it's delicious — but plain old pasta and cheese can get a bit boring. If all your kid will eat is mac and cheese, you might as well take on an "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality and make a mean version that the whole family can enjoy.

Scroll through for 16 recipes that are sure to beat out boxed pasta as your child's favorite dinner.

Mini Mac 'n' Cheese Cups With Carrots

This sneaky recipe contains carrots so that your kiddos can get a few veggies into their diet.

Hidden Veggie Mac 'n' Cheese

This healthy macaroni dish is packed with butternut squash and onions, but your kiddos will never know!

Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

This slow-cooker macaroni is extra creamy and extra cheesy.

Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese Cups

Bake some crispy bacon in a muffin tin and pile in the macaroni to make these cheesy bites.

Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwiches

Chances are your child's other favorite food is grilled cheese, so why not combine the two to make sandwiches?

One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Mac 'n' Cheese

This recipe is packed with green broccoli and protein.

30-Minute Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

This Fall-inspired pumpkin recipe allows you to have dinner on the table and devoured in 30 minutes.

Spinach Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

This spinach and artichoke macaroni is packed with leafy greens — but your kiddos are going to love it!

Healthier Macaroni and Cheese

This healthy dish substitutes in whole wheat pasta and adds veggies and protein to make this meal something you can feel good about feeding your babes.

Three-Cheese Baked Ziti

The more cheese, the better! This ziti recipe is sure to make its way into your family's dinner rotation.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Bacon and Panko

With the crisp of panko and little crunches of bacon, this baked mac 'n' cheese is bound to become a new family favorite.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a Bechamel Sauce

This rich pasta dish has a creamy sauce that will have the whole family begging for seconds.

Pulled Pork Mac 'n' Cheese

Top your family's favorite dish with a helping of pulled pork.

BBQ Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese

Bring mac 'n' cheese to the next level by adding in BBQ chicken.

Slow-Cooker Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Change up taco night with some Mexican-inspired macaroni that you can throw right into the crockpot.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese Bites

For something bite-size and atypical, whip up some of these baked buffalo chicken bites that are surrounded by creamy pasta goodness.