Do you ever have intense cravings for the rich, velvety mac and cheese from Texas Roadhouse? That classic pub food favorite, with its gooey cheese sauce and tender pasta, is comfort food at its finest. Well, we have good news – you can easily recreate the magic of Texas Roadhouse’s famous mac and cheese at home with this easy recipe.
When making this Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese recipe, try to follow my exact same recipe to get the best results. By mastering a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying the legendary flavor in no time. This Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already: elbow macaroni, butter, flour, spices, milk, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Restaurant-Worthy Mac and Cheese
What’s not to love about this cheesy pasta bake? Every bite features the irresistible flavor and velvety texture of Texas Roadhouse’s popular side dish. By preparing it yourself at home, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Add extra cheese for an ultra-indulgent mac, or spice it up with jalapeños or bacon crumbles. You may find your homemade version even more crave-worthy than the original!
Making your own mac also allows you to control the ingredients. You can opt for whole grain pasta, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up. Or you can go all out on full-fat ingredients for a truly decadent experience. Either way, this recipe whips up in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will ask for again and again. It’s also easy to double for potlucks or parties – no one will guess it came from your kitchen, not a restaurant!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese
To make this delicious top-rated copycat recipe, you’ll need just a handful of kitchen tools and 10 easy-to-find ingredients.
Kitchen Tools:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Baking dish
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for drool-worthy mac and cheese.
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
3. Season and Thicken: Stir in the salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and smoked paprika. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens to make a smooth sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and velvety.
5. Combine and Bake: Add the cooked pasta to pot with cheese sauce. Gently stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Dig into this decadent dish straight from the oven, or let it cool slightly before serving. Top with extra cheese, bacon, chili flakes, or green onions for a restaurant-quality meal!
Special Notes for Mac and Cheese Success
Follow these pro tips as you prepare this top-rated Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese recipe:
- Allow extra time for the pasta to cook al dente before adding it to the cheesy sauce. Overcooked noodles won’t hold that velvety texture.
- Stir the cheese sauce frequently as it thickens to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- For ultra-creamy and smooth mac, be sure to finely grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Large shreds may not fully incorporate.
- If the finished mac seems dry, stir in a splash of milk before serving. The pasta will continue soaking up liquid as it sets.
More Cheesy Pasta Perfection: Variations on Mac and Cheese
While this copycat recipe recreates the exact mac from Texas Roadhouse, the possibilities are endless when it comes to cheesy baked pasta. Personalize this comfort food classic with fun add-ins and mix-ins.
- Buffalo Mac: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, hot sauce, and crumbled blue cheese for a spicy, saucy Buffalo-style mac.
- Cheesy Bacon Mac: Top with precooked, crumbled bacon pieces and an extra handful of shredded cheese right before baking.
- Jalapeño Popper Mac: Add diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs to the cheese sauce for a spicy, crab-loaded version.
- Lobster Mac: Replace 1 cup of cheddar with an equal amount of shredded gruyère. Add cooked lobster meat just before baking for luxurious, decadent mac.
No matter which flavor you end up customizing, this easy stove-to-oven mac and cheese recipe makes for endless comfort food possibilities. Just stick to the simple cheese sauce method, and the rest is open to interpretation!
Serving and Storing Leftover Mac and Cheese
A bubbly hot baking dish straight out of the oven makes for an appetizing presentation at dinner. For easy serving, simply scoop directly onto plates using a large spoon. Accompany with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Like many baked pasta dishes, this mac and cheese tastes just as amazing (if not better) the next day. Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. The mac may take on a firmer texture after chilling compared to freshly baked. Simply stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving to loosen it up.
FAQs
What pasta shapes can I use besides elbows?
While traditional elbow noodles work well for trapping velvety cheese sauce, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or corkscrews. Avoid longer shapes like ziti or linguine which may clump together.
Can I prepare the entire recipe start-to-finish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just combine all ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until hot and bubbling. Stir halfway through. The hands-off method makes this mac extra creamy!
What cheese alternatives work for dairy-free or vegan diets?
For the best dairy-free texture and flavor, use equal parts vegan cheddar shreds plus plain vegan yogurt thinned with non-dairy milk. You can also substitute the butter with vegan margarine.
Can I meal prep this mac and cheese?
Definitely! Allow baked mac to cool completely before dividing into individual containers for meal prepping. It holds up well to refrigeration and reheating throughout the week.
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese is a nostalgic embrace and a symphony of flavors. The rich, creamy texture paired with perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmony that's hard to resist—a true culinary experience that transports you to the heart of Texas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Kitchen Appliances
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Baking dish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
3. Season and Thicken: Stir in the salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and smoked paprika. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens to make a smooth sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and velvety.
5. Combine and Bake: Add the cooked pasta to pot with cheese sauce. Gently stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve: Dig into this decadent dish straight from the oven, or let it cool slightly before serving. Top with extra cheese, bacon, chili flakes, or green onions for a restaurant-quality meal!
Conclusion
Why battle busy restaurant crowds when you can enjoy the texas roadhouse mac and cheese you’re craving in the comfort of your own home? This top-rated copycat recipe makes whipping up the popular Texas Roadhouse side dish simple. With just 10 pantry staple ingredients, it comes together in 30 minutes flat.
One bite will transport your tastebuds straight to your favorite dining pub. Except this way cuts the cost, calories, and chaos! So preheat your oven and grab your favorite cheese grater. Happiness is just minutes of prep time away with this restaurant remake. Dip your spoon into cheesy pasta perfection again and again. This is comfort food you’ll want to enjoy all year long!
