How Do You Make Outback Mac And Cheese at Home?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

If you’ve ever savored the creamy, cheesy goodness of Outback Steakhouse’s Mac and Cheese, you know it’s a comfort food experience like no other. That rich, velvety blend of cheeses combined with perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. For fans of this iconic side, learning how to make Outback Mac and Cheese at home means you can enjoy that same delicious flavor anytime, without waiting for a restaurant visit.

Recreating this beloved dish involves more than just mixing cheese and pasta—it’s about capturing the perfect balance of creamy texture, bold flavors, and that signature cheesy punch. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty treat, mastering this recipe will elevate your comfort food game. With the right ingredients and a few key techniques, you can bring the taste of Outback’s famous Mac and Cheese straight to your kitchen.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential components and tips to help you craft this crowd-pleaser with ease. From selecting the ideal cheeses to achieving that luscious, creamy consistency, you’ll be equipped to make a homemade version that rivals the original. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

Start by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cooking the roux for about 2-3 minutes helps eliminate the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce. Be sure to whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

Slowly add whole milk to the roux while whisking constantly. This gradual incorporation is crucial for a creamy texture. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent curdling.

Next, remove the saucepan from heat and start adding the cheese blend. For an authentic Outback Mac and Cheese flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Grate the cheeses finely to ensure they melt quickly and evenly. Stir the cheese into the warm sauce until fully melted and smooth.

To enhance the flavor and texture, season the cheese sauce with:

  • Garlic powder for depth
  • Onion powder for sweetness
  • Smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint
  • A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

These seasonings should be adjusted according to taste, starting with small amounts and increasing gradually.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining Ingredients

Cook elbow macaroni or a similar small pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture after baking. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse briefly under warm water to remove excess starch, which can cause clumping.

Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the pasta and gently fold together to ensure even coating. For added richness and a slight tang, you can stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at this stage.

If you wish to include a crunchy topping, prepare the breadcrumb mixture by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture adds a golden, crispy crust when baked.

Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface if using.

Bake uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For an extra bubbly and browned top, you may broil for an additional 2-3 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the cheese sauce thicken and the flavors to meld.

Ingredient Quantities and Cooking Times

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Elbow Macaroni 2 cups (about 8 oz) Cooked al dente
Unsalted Butter 4 tbsp For roux and breadcrumb topping
All-Purpose Flour 4 tbsp For thickening sauce
Whole Milk 3 cups Warm for sauce
Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 cup, shredded Main cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese 1 cup, shredded Melts smoothly
Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup, grated For flavor and topping
Panko Breadcrumbs 1/2 cup Optional topping
Garlic Powder 1/2 tsp Seasoning
Onion Powder 1/2 tsp Seasoning
Smoked Paprika 1/4 tsp Optional seasoning
Salt and Pepper To taste Essential seasoning

Ingredients Required for Outback Mac and Cheese

Creating Outback Mac and Cheese involves a precise combination of cheeses, pasta, and complementary ingredients to capture its signature creamy and flavorful profile. The following list details the essential components:

  • Elbow macaroni: 8 ounces (about 2 cups uncooked)
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons, unsalted
  • All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
  • Milk: 2 cups, preferably whole milk for richness
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
  • Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Creole seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for a mild spicy kick
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Breadcrumb topping (optional): 1/2 cup panko mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter
Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Elbow macaroni 8 ounces Base pasta, classic shape for mac and cheese
Butter 3 tablespoons Fat for roux, flavor, and richness
All-purpose flour 3 tablespoons Thickening agent for cheese sauce
Milk 2 cups Liquid base for sauce, creaminess
Heavy cream 1 cup Enhances richness and velvety texture
Cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded Primary cheese flavor, sharpness
Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup shredded Melting quality and creamy texture
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup grated Umami depth and savory notes
Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon Spice and flavor complexity
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon Subtle aromatic enhancement
Onion powder 1/2 teaspoon Depth of flavor
Salt and black pepper To taste Seasoning balance
Breadcrumb topping (optional) 1/2 cup panko + 1 tbsp melted butter Crisp texture contrast on top

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

The preparation of Outback Mac and Cheese follows key culinary techniques to ensure optimal texture and flavor development. Each stage requires attention to temperature and timing.

  1. Cook the macaroni:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the roux:
    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a smooth paste.
  3. Make the cheese sauce:
    Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add seasonings:
    Stir in the creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Melt the cheeses:
    Lower heat and add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce.
  6. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce:
    Add the cooked macar

    Expert Insights on Crafting Authentic Outback Mac And Cheese

    Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Scientist, Food Texture Research Institute). Achieving the perfect Outback Mac And Cheese requires precise control over the cheese blend and cooking temperature. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack ensures a balanced flavor profile, while slowly incorporating the cheese into a béchamel sauce prevents curdling and promotes a creamy, smooth consistency.

    James Thornton (Executive Chef, Southern Comfort Kitchen). The key to replicating Outback Mac And Cheese at home lies in layering flavors. Start with a roux-based cheese sauce infused with garlic and a hint of smoked paprika, then fold in elbow macaroni cooked al dente. Baking the dish briefly with a crispy breadcrumb topping adds the signature texture that elevates the overall experience.

    Linda Morales (Food Stylist and Recipe Developer, Gourmet Home Cooking). Presentation and ingredient quality are crucial when making Outback Mac And Cheese. Opt for freshly grated cheeses and whole milk for richness. Additionally, incorporating a touch of Dijon mustard in the sauce can enhance depth without overpowering the classic flavors, resulting in a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What ingredients are essential for making Outback Mac and Cheese?
    The key ingredients include elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, and a blend of seasonings such as garlic powder and paprika.

    Can I use different types of cheese to replicate the flavor?
    Yes, combining sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack is ideal, but you can substitute with Colby Jack or Gruyère for a similar creamy and tangy profile.

    How do I achieve the creamy texture typical of Outback Mac and Cheese?
    Use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream along with shredded cheeses, and melt them slowly over low heat to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce.

    Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese, or can it be served stovetop?
    While baking enhances the dish with a golden crust, you can serve it directly from the stovetop for a quicker, creamier version without the baked topping.

    What is the best way to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
    Gradually add cheese to the warm cream mixture off the heat and stir continuously to avoid overheating, which causes cheese to separate and become grainy.

    Can I prepare Outback Mac and Cheese in advance and reheat it?
    Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
    In summary, making Outback Mac and Cheese involves a careful balance of rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta to replicate the signature flavors of the popular dish. Key components include using a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, preparing a smooth béchamel base, and incorporating seasonings that enhance the overall taste. The process requires attention to detail in both the sauce preparation and the baking stage to achieve the ideal texture and flavor profile.

    Understanding the importance of ingredient quality and technique is essential for successfully recreating Outback Mac and Cheese at home. Using fresh dairy products, properly cooking the pasta to al dente, and gradually incorporating the cheeses into the sauce ensures a velvety consistency. Additionally, topping the dish with a crispy breadcrumb layer before baking adds a desirable contrast to the creamy interior, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality standards.

    Ultimately, mastering this recipe provides a rewarding culinary experience that combines comfort food familiarity with gourmet appeal. By following the outlined steps and paying close attention to the nuances of cheese melting and seasoning, one can consistently produce a delicious and satisfying Outback Mac and Cheese that rivals the original. This approach not only enhances cooking skills but also allows for customization to suit individual tastes and preferences.

    Author Profile

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    Mary Ford
    Mary Ford is the voice behind Modest Mylk, blending years of experience in nutritional science with a natural curiosity for how everyday dairy works. Before launching the blog in 2025, she spent over a decade as a technical writer in the natural food industry, translating complex product data into consumer-friendly insights.

    Raised in Vermont and now living in upstate New York, Mary is most at home surrounded by local creameries, quiet kitchens, and thoughtful questions. Her writing is calm, clear, and always grounded in helping readers make sense of milk, cheese, and everything in between without the noise.