Ready to take your mac and cheese to the next level? It just got a major upgrade with these delicious toppings! Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food–mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I’m obsessed with this dish, and I’m betting you are too! My top picks for cheese? Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, smoked gouda, fontina, and gruyere. But wait, there’s more! You can take your mac and cheese game even higher with some amazing toppings.

From crispy fried chicken and tender pulled pork to buttery crackers and even hot dogs, the possibilities are endless. Time to get creative and make your mac and cheese the star of the show!

1.Jalapenos

Looking to spice up your mac and cheese? Jalapeños bring the perfect balance of heat and flavor to this creamy dish. Their bold, slightly acidic taste cuts through the richness, creating a delightful harmony.

Whether you slice them thin or dice them small, jalapeños add an exciting kick. Sprinkle them on top for a pop of color and flavor, or mix them in for a spicy twist that elevates your mac and cheese game!

2.BBQ Chicken

Looking for a twist on the classic fried chicken in your mac and cheese? BBQ chicken is here to shake things up! The smoky, tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a match made in heaven.

Simply chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the top of your mac and cheese. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for that extra oomph of flavor.

It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying one-bowl meal that’s sure to hit the spot!

3.Hotdogs

Hot Dogs on Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for mac ‘n cheese lovers! Imagine the creamy pasta topped with diced hot dogs – it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

For a twist, try using sausages or frankfurters for a bolder flavor. This fun, easy meal is a delicious way to mix things up.

4.Shrimp

Craving some seafood with your mac and cheese? Toss in some shrimp for an extra burst of flavor! Garlic butter shrimp is the perfect topping for a rich, cheesy mac.

The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs beautifully with a creamy, cheesy mac. If your mac and cheese is on the lighter, milkier side, give Cajun shrimp a try.

The spicy kick adds a whole new dimension to the dish. Either way, it’s a match made in heaven!

5.Tomatoes

Elevate your mac and cheese game with a burst of fresh flavor! Adding sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of parsley is a simple yet brilliant way to brighten up this classic dish.

The acidity of the tomatoes perfectly balances the richness of the cheese, while the parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s an easy way to make your mac and cheese look and taste even more delicious.

Plus, it’s a great trick for impressing guests–they’ll love the extra touch!

6.Diced Ham

Looking for a hearty twist on classic mac and cheese? Try adding diced ham instead of bacon for a meaty boost that keeps the dish gloriously gooey! The salty, savory flavor of juicy ham pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.

For the best results, go with smoked ham–the smokiness complements the cheesy goodness beautifully. It’s a simple swap that brings big flavor to the table!

7.Fried Chicken

Looking for ultimate Southern comfort? Try topping your mac and cheese with some crispy fried chicken! The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, about the size of tater tots, and coated in a batter that makes them extra golden and crunchy.

This combo is a surefire hit–so good that it’ll be gone in no time. It’s the perfect blend of creamy mac and cheese and juicy, crispy chicken that everyone will love.

8.Cauliflower

Looking for a lighter twist on mac and cheese? Adding cauliflower bits is a fantastic way to bring in some extra texture. The mild, milky flavor of cauliflower blends in beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Plus, you can sprinkle it on top before baking for a delightful contrast. And here’s the best part: you can skip the pasta entirely for a gluten-free, carb-conscious version that’s just as satisfying.

It’s a guilt-free, equally delicious take on a classic comfort food! 🥦

9.Crumbled Cheez-Its

Looking for a tasty twist on plain old bread crumbs? Try using Cheez-Its instead! They’re a step up from Cheetos but pack more flavor than buttered crackers, making them the perfect choice.

Simply crush them in a bag with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor, then sprinkle a generous amount over your mac and cheese. The result? A delightful crunch and an extra boost of that salty, cheesy goodness everyone loves.

10.Truffle Oil

Elevate your mac and cheese game with a touch of sophistication–enter truffle oil! If you haven’t experimented with truffle oil yet, now’s the perfect time.

It’s a culinary magic maker that transforms any dish, and your mac and cheese is no exception. Before serving, give it a light drizzle of truffle oil for that extra oomph of flavor.

Feeling extra fancy? Top it off with some sautéed mushrooms for a delightful textural contrast. Get ready to impress with this simple yet elegant twist on a classic comfort food!

11.Butter Crackers

Looking for something easy and satisfying? Crushed butter crackers with macaroni is a classic combo that always hits the spot. The perfect mix of crunchy, buttery crackers and creamy macaroni creates a dish that’s simple yet absolutely delicious.

It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a comfort food favorite!

12.Pepperoni

Pepperoni on mac and cheese? Why not! If it works on a cheesy pizza, why wouldn’t it shine on a warm, creamy bed of mac and cheese? When I add pepperoni as a topping, I also like to throw in some thick slices of mozzarella for extra flavor and texture.

It’s like a pizza and mac and cheese had a baby–and it’s perfection. Two of the world’s greatest comfort foods come together to create something truly special.

Get ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level!

13.Sriracha

Looking to spice up your mac and cheese? Sriracha is here to save the day! This Vietnamese hot sauce is the perfect mix of flavor and heat–not too mild, not too wild.

It’s no surprise it’s become a fan favorite. And if you’re feeling extra bold, sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an extra kick. Spicy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious–what more could you ask for?

14.Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo. It takes a bit of prep time, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. Tender, juicy pulled pork pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese for a match made in heaven.

Want an extra burst of flavor? Add some Cajun seasoning to give it a nice kick. It’s hearty, satisfying, and everything you want in a delicious meal.

15.Crushed Cheetos

Ready for a game-changing mac and cheese twist? Swap those boring breadcrumbs for crushed Cheetos and get ready to level up your cheesy dish! While it’s not the healthiest option, the extra flavor and crunch are totally worth it.

This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions, and trust us, the kids will go wild! It’s a fun, cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

16.Corn

Shake up your mac and cheese game with this Southern-inspired twist–add some corn on top! Imagine buttery corn kernels sprinkled with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika.

It’s a flavor combo that will make you rethink your mac and cheese forever. Craving something crunchy? Sprinkle on some homemade corn nuts for the perfect texture.

Yum, this is a match made in comfort food heaven!

17.Lobster Meat

Looking to elevate your mac and cheese game? Try adding some lobster meat to the mix! Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with whatever cheese you’re using, creating a dish that’s both rich and indulgent.

Not a lobster fan? No problem–crab meat makes a fantastic alternative. Whether you use fresh crab or convenient kani sticks from the grocery or Asian store, it’s sure to add a delicious twist to your mac and cheese.

Give it a shot for a seafood-inspired meal that’s anything but ordinary!

18.Ground Beef

Cheeseburger mac and cheese? Yes, please! You’ve probably seen those trendy burgers topped with mac and cheese on social media–so why not flip the script and add the burger to the mac and cheese instead? Season your ground beef just like you would for a burger, and don’t forget to toss in some juicy tomato slices and crisp shredded lettuce for that fresh burger flavor.

It’s a creative twist on two comfort food classics that’s sure to hit the spot!

19.Bacon Bits

Imagine the ultimate comfort food combo: creamy mac and cheese meets the crunch of crispy bacon. The golden, cheesy pasta and the dark, crispy bacon bits are a visual treat that’s sure to make your mouth water.

Cook the bacon until it’s super crispy, then crumble it into bits and sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese. It’s a match made in heaven that’s sure to satisfy any craving!