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All mac and cheese is good mac and cheese, but this steakhouse mac and cheese is great! Inspired by Outback’s Steakhouse Mac and Cheese, this creamy pasta recipe will please every cheese lover in your life.
I’m a cheap date at a steakhouse because I don’t eat steak. But I love the side dishes! A crisp wedge salad, a jumbo baked potato or a creamy, delicious order of mac and cheese is right up my alley.
And getting that steakhouse flair at home has never been easier with this Outback copycat recipe.
What’s in this Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious mac and cheese:
- Short cut pasta. Pipette, cellentani or classic macaroni are all great options. Penne pasta is also popular.
- Velveeta cheese. This truly gives the creamiest result in the quickest amount of time.
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Milk. I have only tested this recipe using whole milk, but I’m comfortable saying that 2% milk will also work.
- Plain bread crumbs
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta
Follow the package instructions for your pasta for al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
This is the easiest mac and cheese sauce you’ll ever make.
Simply melt the Velveeta, cheddar and milk in a saucepan along with salt and paprika. Stir everything over low heat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Stir your pasta and cheese sauce together and transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
You could use a 9×13 baking dish, a round baking dish or smaller crocks for individual servings.
Make the Breadcrumb Topping
Combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Then, stir in a tablespoon of melted butter.
Now, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese and bake!
How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Macaroni and Cheese
As a Side Dish: This copycat Outback mac and cheese goes great with – you guessed it – all of your steakhouse favorites! Serve this mac n cheese with steak, chicken or roast pork. This easy recipe will make about 8 side dish servings.
As a Main Dish: Enjoy Outback’s mac as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Slice some grilled chicken on top for added protein.
Variations on this Mac and Cheese Recipe
1. Make it Smoky: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese before baking for a smoky and savory flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick of heat.
3. Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives or thyme for a burst of freshness. Dried spices like garlic powder, onion powder or steakhouse seasonings add extra dimension.
4. Bread Crumb Alternatives: Substitute panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers for the plain breadcrumbs for a flavor variation. Another option is to add Parmesan cheese to the plain breadcrumbs for added richness.
5. Mac-A-Roo & Cheese: Make the kids menu version of Outback Steakhouse’s mac, called Outback Mac A Roo n Cheese. Simply leave the breadcrumbs off and serve the cheesy pasta right from the stovetop, without baking.
How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese
If you plan to enjoy your leftovers the next day, you can easily cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
For longer storage, transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
This mac and cheese recipe also freezes beautifully! The next time you want to enjoy it, reheat on the stovetop or in a warm oven. Add a splash of milk to help reconstitute the pasta, and you’ll have an easy weeknight dinner.
When you make this steakhouse mac and cheese recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more copycat recipes, try these:
- Chicken Marsala (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
- Egg White Turkey Bacon Sandwich (Starbucks Copycat)
- Chicken Chalupa Supreme Recipe (Taco Bell Copycat)
For more cheesy pasta recipes, try these:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
- Gluten Free Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Easy Creamy Blush Sauce (Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe)
Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe (Outback Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. macaroni or pipette pasta
- 16 oz. Velveeta cheese
- 2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. paprika
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Break up he block of Velveeta into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, melt the Velveeta, cheddar, milk, salt and paprika over low heat until creamy and smooth.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large baking dish.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: stir all ingredients except the butter together in a small bowl. Melt the butter and add it to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta. Bake 20 minutes, until golden brown.
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