If you love comfort food with an indulgent twist, the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe is worth making! Inspired by the rich, cheesy side dish at Outback Steakhouse, this is pure creamy, cheesy goodness for your kitchen.
This version of macaroni and cheese is elevated with a luscious, creamy sauce that includes a mix of cheeses, butter and spices. The result is a decadent and satisfying dish that pairs well with almost anything—or stands alone as the ultimate comfort food.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You can duplicate the signature flavour using just a handful of main ingredients and simple steps in no time. This mac and cheese is sure to please kids of all ages, yet it’s sophisticated enough for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a unique spread.
This Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and rich–making it the perfect side that everybody will start requesting in your household!
Table of Contents
Why the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe Stands Out
For comfort food, nothing entirely does it like a creamy buttery, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese. We take mac and cheese to epic levels with the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe, using its rich texture, decadent flavour and gourmet taste. A play on the fan-favourite side dish at Outback Steakhouse, this recipe serves the same richness but brings it home.
My favourite part about this mac and cheese is the smooth cheese sauce, which comes from a wonderfully designed combination of cheeses that perfectly coats each piece of pasta. It’s not mere accompaniment; it’s a centrepiece that can make any meal sing. Serve it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables or on its own — this recipe is a hit for all ages.
The Secret to the Perfect Outback Mac and Cheese
Recreating the signature flavor of Outback Steakhouse’s mac and cheese comes down to using the right combination of ingredients and techniques. Here are the key elements that make this dish so irresistible:
- Pasta: Here, traditional elbow macaroni is the perfect choice because its shape nicely holds the creamy sauce. For a twist, try cavatappi or shells.
- Cheese Blend: The signature creaminess comes from cheddar, Monterey Jack and Parmesan. The cheddar gives sharpness, the Monterey Jack a smooth melt, and the Parmesan body and umami.
- Butter and Heavy Cream: These ingredients provide the foundation for the sauce, giving it a rich and luscious mouthfeel.
- Seasonings: A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhances the flavour, while salt and pepper balance the richness.
This combination creates an indulgent, flavorful, and creamy mac and cheese in every bite.
Healthier Twists on the Classic Recipe
The surface area of the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe is rich enough as it is, but if you want to go guilt-free, you could make a few substitutions while keeping its signature flavour.
- Replace the milk with cream: Instead of heavy cream, use whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Use Whole-Wheat Pasta: Use whole-wheat macaroni to boost fibre and nutrition in this dish.
- Vegetable Supply: Add steamed broccoli, spinach or roasted bell peppers for additional vitamins and colour.
- Less Butter: Use less butter, let the cheese blend, and add the richness.
These adjustments will allow you to enjoy this recipe by its indulgent nature while accommodating a broad range of dietary preferences.
| Ingredient | Health Benefit | Nutritional Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth. Contains protein for muscle repair and maintenance. | High in calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like A and B12. |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Adds healthy fats that support brain health and energy. Offers vitamins like riboflavin and zinc. | Contains healthy fats, calcium, and trace minerals like zinc and phosphorus. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Rich in protein and calcium, supports bone health and adds umami flavor without excess calories. | High in protein, calcium, and essential amino acids. |
| Milk or Cream | Provides calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats essential for strong bones and immune function. | Source of healthy fats, vitamins D, B2, and B12. |
| Butter | Offers a quick source of energy. Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. | Rich in healthy fats and essential fat-soluble vitamins. |
| Elbow Macaroni | Supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Fortified varieties may include iron and folate. | Provides carbohydrates and energy; enriched pasta adds iron and folic acid. |
| Garlic Powder | Contains antioxidants and compounds that support immune health and reduce inflammation. | Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds like allicin. |
| Onion Powder | Aids in digestion and contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and support heart health. | Contains quercetin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Paprika | Adds flavor and contains antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids that support immune health. | Rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and capsaicin (in spicy varieties). |
| Black Pepper | Enhances nutrient absorption, supports digestion, and has mild anti-inflammatory effects. | Contains piperine, which improves bioavailability of nutrients. |
Key Takeaways
- Calcium Packed: The combination of the cheeses and the milk makes this dish a good source of calcium, which is likely to support strong bones.
- Rich in Protein: Milk and cheeses provide quality protein for muscle repair and energy.
- Antioxidant Benefits: Garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper add antioxidants that help prevent oxidative stress.
- Carbohydrates for Energy: The pasta provides complex carbohydrates to stabilise your energy levels throughout the day.
While the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe is an indulgent treat, its ingredients offer valuable nutrients that contribute to overall health. For a lighter version, you can adjust ingredients like cream and butter, swap whole-grain pasta, or add vegetables for additional fibre and vitamins.
Outback Mac and Cheese recipe From OoohDelish!
Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven-safe casserole dish (optional for baking)
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 tsp salt for boiling water
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- ½ cup Velveeta cheese cubed
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (this creates a roux).
- Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish or oven-safe casserole if baking with toppings.
Optional Topping (for baked mac and cheese):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Pair with grilled steak, chicken, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing Tip: This mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
The Versatility of Outback Mac and Cheese
This dish is so beloved in part because its flexibility is unmatched. It’s a star side dish on its own, but you can customize it to make a complete meal or play with flavour:
- Add Protein: For a heartier version of this recipe, mix in grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or shrimp.
- For a Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños, a puff of cayenne pepper, or both!
- Baked: Pour the prepared mac and cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a bit of Parmesan and bake until golden and bubbling.
Whatever you do, whether keeping it classic or putting your spin on it, this mac and cheese recipe is a dream that adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
Now, the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe is synonymous with comfort food—it never fails at gatherings, potlucks, or beautifying your weeknight dinners. It is creamy and flavorful enough to be appealing to kids and adults, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
The familiarity of the ingredients and the decadent nature makes it nostalgic but also elevated enough that it feels like you can serve it for a special meal. And the recipe is easily scaled up, so you can feed larger crowds with no extra fuss.
Tips for the Best Outback Mac and Cheese
Here are pro-picks for perfection when it comes to the mac and cheese experience:
- Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that will interfere with the sauce’s smoothness. Grating cheese fresh gives it a more cohesive texture.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Hurriedly cooked pasta (rather than in salted water, as is common practice in my kitchen) seems only to turn mushy when stirred with the hot sauce; it is best to undercook gently, slightly.
- Gently Heat the Sauce: Don’t overheat the cheese sauce to avoid separating. For best results, stir constantly over low to medium heat.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After combining the sauce, taste a bit and correct the added salt, pepper, or spices to find the balance.
With these tips, you’ll always make a dish as good or better than the restaurant version.
Conclusion: Indulge in the Ultimate Mac and Cheese
What is the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting Celebration? It’s versatile and indulgent in equal measure, featuring well-cooked pasta and a robust sauce that can be personalized to your taste. So whether you’re trying to approximate the flavours of Outback Steakhouse or want to put your spin on things, this recipe will give you a dish that should appease every palate.
Serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a cozy meal—it’s comfort food at its finest!
FAQs : Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe
How to make Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese recipe?
To make Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. Prepare a creamy cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a mix of cheddar and Velveeta cheese. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika for flavor. Bake until bubbly and golden for an authentic taste.
What is Outback Mac and Cheese recipe?
Outback Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy dish featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a smooth cheese sauce made from cheddar, Velveeta, and milk. It’s seasoned to perfection and baked to achieve a slightly crispy top, offering a comforting and indulgent side dish reminiscent of the Outback Steakhouse classic.
Share Your Twist!
We’d love to hear your version of the Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!
References
Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese – Allrecipes
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