6 Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Are you sick and tired of boxed macaroni and cheese or eating the same mac and cheese recipe over and over? If so, this was created for you. If you are a busy parent, teacher, worker, or just have nonstop days, but still want something easy and delicious, try these easy macaroni and cheese recipes for busy weeknights!
In This Post
Here are the six recipes that I've included in the roundup:
✓ Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Macaroni Bake
✓ White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups
✓ Three-Cheese Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese
✓ Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
✓ Protein-packed Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Cottage Cheese
✓ Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Rotisserie Chicken and Crispy Breadcrumbs
What Makes These Recipes Unique
All of these recipes have a unique ingredient or a unique twist in some way. The Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Bake combines two comfort meals together into one delicious recipe. White Cheddar Cups use muffin tins so you can have pre-portioned macaroni and cheese.
The Three-Cheese Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese combines three different cheeses with a crisp on top. Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is slow cooked and baked, the protein-packed macaroni and cheese has cottage cheese for added protein and the Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese combines Rotisserie chicken and breadcrumbs for a delicious family staple.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Bake
If you love BBQ chicken and macaroni and cheese, you will love this baked comfort food combination - Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Macaroni Bake. The slow cooker brings together the shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and other seasonings, and then once it's done cooking, it bakes together with soft shells, melty cheese, and a creamy homemade sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because the BBQ chicken layered on top of the cheesy and melty macaroni and cheese allows you to get a bite of both in every spoonful. There are so many flavors - smokiness from the paprika, cheesy from all the cheese, sweet and savory from the BBQ sauce, and it all comes together to make a delicious and filling meal.
Full Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Bake
White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups
Have you ever had macaroni cups? I hadn't either! This was an accidental, yet delicious way to make macaroni and cheese. This white cheddar macaroni and cheese is cooked on the stove and then moved to the oven to cook and brown the breadcrumb topping. This is, by far, not your traditional mac and cheese recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it can be enjoyed as a meal or a snack you can take on the go. They are easy to pack up and store plus they are delicious, crispy and so unique. Combine this with an extra crispy layer of butter, breadcrumbs and smoked paprika, and you are in for a real treat that your kids will love.
Full Recipe: White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups
Three-Cheese Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese
If you are looking for a cheesy, crispy, browned, creamy, soft on the inside, crispy on top, and delicious enough for a second helping, you will want to try this Three-Cheese Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
The cheese sauce isn't pre-made, it is a homemade roux. You combine the cheeses, milk, seasonings, and bacon together to make this light but silky sauce whose smell will radiate through your entire home.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Easy Stovetop & Oven Recipe)
If you enjoy an easy comfort food recipe that is ooey gooey, cheesy, juicy, tender, and flavorful, you will want to try this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese. This is comfort food, elevated. It’s a filling meal the whole family will love.
Why This Recipe Works
• Creamy stovetop cheese sauce + baked finish
• Adjustable spice level
• Perfect balance of creamy and bold buffalo flavor
Full Recipe: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Easy Stovetop & Oven Recipe)
Protein-packed Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Cottage Cheese
Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This healthier homemade version is a family favorite in our house—packed with protein, rich and creamy, and with a surprising twist that’ll have you reaching for seconds!
According to my teen, he said the macaroni and cheese was 'good'—and asked for seconds before he even took his first bite! Try this creamy homemade macaroni and cheese with cottage cheese and Canadian bacon for a protein-packed, family-friendly twist on a classic favorite!
Why This Recipe Works
The surprise ingredient in this recipe is cottage cheese. No one in my family liked cottage cheese before, but they wiped their plates clean after tasting it! It’s creamy, adds protein, calcium, and is low in fat and carbs. I used 1.5% milkfat, low-fat cottage cheese, but feel free to swap it for your favorite variety, like Greek yogurt or ricotta, for different textures and flavors!
Full Recipe: Protein-packed Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Cottage Cheese
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Rotisserie Chicken & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Growing up, we ate a lot of macaroni and cheese so it has become a family staple. This homemade macaroni is made on the stove but it has a layer of breadcrumbs on top which is broiled and makes this recipe unique.
Creamy stovetop mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs and rotisserie chicken for a family-favorite, hearty meal!
What Makes This Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe Different
Macaroni and cheese can be full of extra ingredients and making a homemade version allows you to know exactly what it is going into it. I personally think that homemade is always better. Most of the ingredients you probably already have on hand and it's a simple classic with a few twists. With a 15-20 minute cook time, your family will be asking for seconds!
Full Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Rotisserie Chicken & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Whether you prefer classic stovetop macaroni, slow cooker comfort food, or protein-packed twists, these easy macaroni and cheese recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and cozy comfort meals throughout the year.
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