20 Macaroni Recipes That Satisfy All Your Pasta Cravings

Updated on March 20, 2020 by Food Network Canada Editors

Macaroni may be one of the smallest, most humble varieties of pasta – yet, as these taste bud-tempting macaroni recipes prove, it’s one of the most versatile. From creative takes on mac ‘n’ cheese to more exotic recipes, after seeing how macaroni is used in these inventive recipes, you may find yourself developing a whole new respect for the nostalgic, elbow-shaped pasta.

1 of 20

French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Soup

Two classic dishes combine perfectly in this magnificent mash up of French onion soup and mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s a sweet-meets-savoury base of French onion soup crowned by a gooey and crispy mac ‘n’ cheese topping. For a fast and fantastic weeknight meal, make the soup ahead of time and freeze until you’re ready to cook up the topping. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/french-onion-macaroni-and-cheese-soup/20223/" target="_blank">French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Soup</a>
2 of 20

Spanish Mac & Cheese with Chorizo

Lynn Crawford gives crowd-pleasing mac and cheese Spanish flair, for comfort food with a welcome twist. This recipe proves it’s possible to upgrade the already-best mac and cheese recipe ever thanks to the addition of smoked paprika, chorizo and garlic. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/spanish-mac-and-cheese-with-chorizo/21280/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford’s Spanish Mac & Cheese with Chorizo</a>
3 of 20

Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara

Combining two varieties of cheddar, along with Italian fontina and asiago, this cheese-loaded delight combines the iconic flavour of carbonara with classic mac and cheese for the ultimate Italian-style comfort food. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bobby-flays-macaroni-and-cheese-carbonara/11491/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara</a>
4 of 20

Hong Kong-Style Macaroni Soup Breakfast

Anyone who thinks macaroni is limited to its classic application should take a look at this Asian-inspired recipe which uses macaroni soup as the basis for a hearty Hong Kong-style breakfast. It’s sure to serve up a flavourful start to any day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hong-kong-style-macaroni-soup-breakfast/14806/" target="_blank">Hong Kong-Style Macaroni Soup Breakfast</a>
5 of 20

Beer Cheese and Mac

Kick up macaroni with this recipe using four different types of cheese – extra-sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, cream cheese and super-aged Gouda – and rich amber beer, for a savoury pasta dish that’s like a warm hug. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beer-cheese-and-mac/18698/" target="_blank">Damaris Phillips’ Beer Cheese and Mac</a>
6 of 20

Smoked Macaroni Salad

This chilled macaroni jar salad blends liquid smoke and bourbon whiskey for a deeply savoury recipe that's guaranteed to be a hit with adults. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-macaroni-salad/16420/" target="_blank">Damaris Philipps' Smoked Macaroni Salad</a>
7 of 20

Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole

A delicious, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/simple-and-satisfying-sloppy-joe-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">satisfying sloppy joe</a>-meets-macaroni-and-cheese casserole that’s a meal in itself, with plenty of veggies cleverly snuck into the mix. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sloppy-joe-and-macaroni-casserole/20381/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray's Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole</a>
8 of 20

Baked Mac 'N Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Duck Sausage

With panko crumbs, Brie, sweetly caramelized onions and generous hunks of savoury duck sausage, you've got a mac ‘n’ cheese that takes dinner to a whole new level. Substitute this recipe’s rotini pasta for elbow macaroni, if desired. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-mac-n-cheese-with-caramelized-onions-and-duck-sausage/10948/" target="_blank">Baked Mac ‘N Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Duck Sausage</a>
9 of 20

Sweet Potato Macaroni

Cubed tart apples, sweet potatoes, pistachios and gruyere put a clever new spin on classic macaroni and cheese. The recipe calls for gluten-free pasta, but feel free to substitute regular macaroni if your heart desires. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-macaroni/17874/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Macaroni</a>
10 of 20

Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad

As easy to prepare as it is impossible to resist, Rachael Ray promises this recipe will be “an instant fave,” and it’s no wonder, considering she combines the time-tested combo of bacon and eggs in a chilled macaroni salad that’s the perfect side dish for any summertime meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bacon-and-egg-macaroni-salad/16072/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad</a>
11 of 20

Macaroni Tomato Bake with Salad

Stewed Italian tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup contribute to the fantastic flavour of this macaroni dish that's been baked to bubbling perfection. It's paired with a refreshing green salad tossed with raspberry vinaigrette. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/macaroni-tomato-bake-with-salad/7436/" target="_blank">Macaroni Tomato Bake with Salad</a>
12 of 20

Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

The rich, spicy flavour of Indian butter chicken is combined with the creamy goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese for a baked casserole that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-mac-and-cheese-casserole/19828/" target="_blank">Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole</a>
13 of 20

Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

Combining two of our favourite comfort foods in one masterful mash-up, this baked pasta serves up the flavour of pizza in a cozy mac ‘n’ cheese package. This recipe suggests saving the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for use as a flavourful pasta topping. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/creamy-pizza-macaroni-and-cheese/20221/" target="_blank">Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese</a>
14 of 20

Smoked White Cheddar Macaroni

You may have smoked meat on your grill, but have you smoked macaroni? That’s part of the charm you’ll experience from this thoroughly unique dish that combines macaroni, tomatoes, bacon, white cheddar and onion with the smoky goodness of apple wood chips. It’s simply superb! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-white-cheddar-macaroni/10090/" target="_blank">Smoked White Cheddar Macaroni</a>
15 of 20

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

Get ready to stand the preconceived notion of macaroni and cheese on its head with this genius recipe that reimagines the classic comfort food as a savoury soup, adding leeks and heavy cream for richness. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese-soup/14121/" target="_blank">Macaroni and Cheese Soup</a>
16 of 20

Mexican Macaroni Salad

A chilled macaroni salad that’s ideal for picnics or barbecues, this recipe adds roasted corn, black beans, red onions, tomatoes and a sour cream salsa dressing for ordinary macaroni with extraordinary Southwest flare. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mexican-macaroni-salad/15568/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Mexican Macaroni Salad</a>
17 of 20

Pork Belly Mac & Cheese

The additions of pork belly, olive oil-roasted cauliflower and homemade bacon cheese sauce brings some serious decadence to this creamy delight. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pork-belly-mac-and-cheese/14355/" target="_blank">Pork Belly Mac & Cheese</a>
18 of 20

Mac and Cheese with Fresh Veggies and Dip

Basic yet brilliant, kids will love this simple mac ‘n’ cheese dish that’s partnered with crunchy, fresh vegetables and a savoury dipping sauce. It’s a family meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mac-and-cheese-with-fresh-veggies-and-dip/7333/" target="_blank">Mac and Cheese with Fresh Veggies and Dip</a>
19 of 20

Mac & Cheese Lobster Roll

Adding macaroni and cheese to a lobster roll? Sheer genius, as you’ll discover in this incredibly inventive recipe that combines two flavourful favourites into one delightfully decadent dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mac-and-cheese-lobster-roll/18114/" target="_blank">Mac & Cheese Lobster Roll</a>
20 of 20

Bal Arneson's Macaroni and Cheese, Indian Style

Serve up this Indian-style take on mac ‘n’ cheese, with spices like cardamom, turmeric, garam masala and red chili powder adding a zesty kick. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese-indian-style/13084/" target="_blank">Bal Arneson’s Macaroni and Cheese, Indian Style</a> Brent Furdyk is a freelance writer in Vancouver.
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