If you've had Outback's mac and cheese, then you know just how creamy, cheesy, and delicious it is. And, that's also completely true for this copycat Outback mac and cheese recipe as well. Seriously, this is as close to the real thing as you can get. Plus, the best part about this recipe is that it takes 15 minutes to make!
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The Best Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe
Everyone knows Outback Steakhouse is home to the bloomin' onion, but did you know it's also home to delicious mac and cheese?
Well, it's true! It's listed as the Outback Mac A Roo and Cheese on the kid's menu, and you can't order it from the restaurant if you're not with kids.
I've had it with my nieces, and it's so good, and this mac and cheese recipe is my take on the one from Outback. With cooked pasta, Velveeta cheese, and some spices taking center stage, this mac and cheese recipe is going to be your new favorite.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or even as the main dish at any event. Plus, because you can make it in such a big batch, it's perfect for sharing with a lot of guests. And with this copycat version, they'll all think you actually got Outback Steakhouse to cater.
By the way, I highly recommend serving it with steak or this Alice Springs chicken and Outback potato soup for a true Outback Steakhouse meal!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick to make. You can have this mac n cheese ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
Simple ingredients. You only need 6 ingredients for this recipe, and you might have all of them at home already.
The cheese. This recipe combines Velveeta cheese and cheddar cheese for the cheesiest texture and most delicious flavor.
Crowd-pleaser. Everyone I've made this recipe for - kids and adults - both love it and ask me to make it for every get-together.
Ingredients
As I just mentioned, this elevated restaurant recipe doesn't use complicated ingredients.
Here's what you need to make Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese:
- 2 cups Macaroni
- ¼ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese
- ¼ tsp. Paprika
- ½ cup Half and Half
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
See? Not bad at all! And if you're looking for another easy mac and cheese recipe, you can use some of these ingredients to make this mac and cheese without milk or this old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese!
How To Make Outback Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the noodles: Add water and salt to a medium pot and cook the pasta until it is al dente. Use a colander to drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Make the sauce: Grease another pot with cooking spray and put it over medium heat. Add the Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Pour the half and half into the pot and mix with the cheeses until they melt and combine.
3. Finish the dish: Add the cooked pasta to this cheese mixture along with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Leave out the paprika if you're serving it to kids.
- Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers to make it healthier.
- Use heavy cream instead of half and half for a richer sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of elbow noodles for a different texture.
- Serve with more shredded cheese or parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor.
How To Store Mac and Cheese
In the fridge: The leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Pop it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also reheat it in the oven to make baked mac and cheese. Preheat the oven to 350°F, add the Outback mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, and bake for about 10 minutes or until the mac and cheese is heated through. You can even add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before heating!
FAQS About This Outback Mac and Cheese Recipe
Does Outback have mac & cheese?
Yes, but it is only on the kid's menu. You can find it listed as Mac A Roo and Cheese.
What is Outback mac and cheese made of?
It is made with penne pasta and a combination of cheddar cheese and Velveeta cheese with cream.
How much protein is in Outback Mac and Cheese?
According to Outback's nutritional guide, the Mac-A-Roo N' Cheese has 21 grams of protein.
More Copycat Recipes
If you enjoyed this Outback mac and cheese recipe, try some more of our amazing copycat recipes.
Here are some of our most popular restaurant recreations:
- Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets
- KFC Nashville chicken tenders
- Panda Express honey sesame chicken
- Olive Garden grilled chicken margherita
- Olive Garden lasagna fritta
- Panera sierra turkey sandwich
- Cheesecake Factory thai coconut lime chicken
Outback Mac and Cheese Made With 6 Simple Ingredients
If you've had Outback's mac and cheese, then you know just how creamy, cheesy, and delicious it is. And, that's also completely true for this copycat Outback mac and cheese recipe as well. Seriously, this is as close to the real thing as you can get. Plus, the best part about this recipe is that it takes 15 minutes to make!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Outback Steakhouse
Ingredients
2 cups Macaroni
¼ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8 ounces Velveeta Cheese
¼ tsp. Paprika
½ cup Half and Half
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Add water and salt to a medium pot and cook the pasta until it is al dente. Use a colander to drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Grease another pot with cooking spray. Then add the Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot.
- Mix the half and half with the cheese in the pot until it melts and combines.
- Add the cooked pasta to this mixture along with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce, and then serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 589
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Protein: 33
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Gabbriella
This is the real deal. Homemade mac and cheese always gives me a tough time but this was easy peasy. I am looking forward to making it again.
★★★★★
Jack
Just as good as Outback!
★★★★★
Tammy
Guys this is a terrific mac and cheese recipe. If you're sick of the boxed stuff try this!
★★★★★
Maggie Lumis
This was phenomenal!! My kids really really liked it and they're so picky!
★★★★★
Victoria
Usually mac and cheese made from scratch isn't as good as the boxed kind but this totally was!
★★★★★
Maxine E
10/10
★★★★★
Kylie Barnes
Truly one of the yummiest mac and cheeses I've had!
★★★★★
Andrea
Love this mac
★★★★★