1. Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, known for its sharp, tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities.
![Cheddar Cheese for Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-cheddar.jpg)
Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in grated Cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine sauce with macaroni, serve immediately.
2. Gruyère
Gruyère adds a nutty, slightly sweet taste. It melts smoothly, making for a creamy and velvety sauce.
![Gruyère Cheese in Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-gruyere.jpg)
Gruyère Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni, 1.5 cups grated Gruyère cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni; drain.
- In a pot, melt butter, add flour, cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick.
- Off the heat, add Gruyère, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni. Transfer to a baking dish, bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Fontina
Fontina has a mild, yet slightly tart flavor. It melts beautifully, lending a silky texture to the dish.
![Fontina Cheese in a Mac and Cheese Dish](/i/mac-fontina.jpg)
Fontina Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta, 2 cups grated Fontina cheese, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Instructions
- Cook pasta; drain. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, add Fontina cheese, stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Toss pasta with the sauce. Serve warm.
4. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is known for its stretchiness and mild flavor, which complements other cheeses well.
![Mozzarella Cheese for Stretchy Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-mozzarella.jpg)
Mozzarella Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cheese mixture with macaroni. Transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
5. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, melting well and blending seamlessly with other cheeses.
![Monterey Jack Cheese in Creamy Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-monterey-jack.jpg)
Monterey Jack Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Add Monterey Jack cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts.
- Mix cheese sauce with macaroni. Serve immediately or bake for a crispy top.
6. Parmesan
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. It's often used in combination with creamier cheeses for a richer taste.
![Parmesan Cheese Adding Flavor to Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-parmesan.jpg)
Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz fusilli pasta, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Instructions
- Cook pasta; drain. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and butter, bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, add Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Toss pasta in the sauce, serve garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
7. Gouda
Gouda, especially smoked Gouda, offers a unique flavor profile, adding depth to mac and cheese.
![Gouda Cheese in a Unique Mac and Cheese Variant](/i/mac-gouda.jpg)
Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 1.5 cups shredded Gouda cheese (smoked or regular), 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni; drain.
- In a pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened.
- Stir in Gouda cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine with macaroni, bake in a greased dish for 20-25 minutes until golden.
8. Havarti
Havarti is creamy with a buttery flavor. It melts well, making it a great choice for a smooth sauce.
![Havarti Cheese for a Smooth Mac and Cheese Sauce](/i/mac-havarti.jpg)
Havarti Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 2 cups shredded Havarti cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, salt.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, then slowly add milk, whisking until thick.
- Add Havarti cheese, white pepper, and salt, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Mix the cheese sauce with macaroni. Serve warm, optionally baked for a crispy top.
9. Brie
Brie adds a touch of luxury. Its creamy interior melts into a rich, decadent sauce.
![Brie Cheese in a Luxurious Mac and Cheese](/i/mac-brie.jpg)
Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni, 1 cup cubed Brie cheese (rind removed), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat.
- Add Brie and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Combine sauce with macaroni, serve immediately for a creamy texture.
10. Blue Cheese
For a bold flavor, blue cheese can be used. It adds a sharp, tangy twist to the classic dish.
![Blue Cheese for a Bold Mac and Cheese Flavor](/i/mac-blue.jpg)
Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz macaroni, 1 cup crumbled Blue Cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, Blue Cheese, and Cheddar over low heat.
- Stir until cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper.
- Mix the sauce with macaroni, serve immediately for a bold and tangy flavor.