How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Mac & Cheese (Updated)

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Adore **LongHorn Steakhouse’s** scrumptious mac and cheese? **Great news**! Cook up this mouthwatering meal at home, and it’ll be just as phenomenal.

You can recreate this cheesy and comforting mac and cheese in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients and steps. 

We will take you through how to make LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese, so you can enjoy this tasty side dish whenever you want.

Steps On How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Mac & Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Add the salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
5. Add the cheddar, Monterey jack, and parmesan cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir until it is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
7. Pour the mac and cheese [1] into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top.
8. Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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What Type Of Pasta Should You Use?

LongHorn Steakhouse uses elbow macaroni for their mac and cheese dish, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Elbow macaroni is a small, curved pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce well, making it a popular choice for mac and cheese dishes. 

However, you can also use other types of pasta, such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni.

It’s essential to choose a pasta shape that is sturdy enough to hold the cheese sauce and not too delicate, as it will cook further in the oven after being coated with the cheese sauce. 

Read: Best Fast Food Mac And Cheese

Can You Use Different Types Of Cheese For LongHorn Steakhouse Mac & Cheese?

Yes. LongHorn Steakhouse combines cheddar, Monterey jack [2], and parmesan cheese for their mac and cheese dish, but you can use any cheese you like. 

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for mac and cheese because of its rich and creamy flavor, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as gouda, fontina, or Gruyere. 

It’s best to choose a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients in the dish.

Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination and make your unique version of LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese.

How To Make It Healthier

To make LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese healthier, you can make a few simple substitutions. First, you can use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the dish. 

Another option is to add vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to the mac and cheese to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber and protein content of the dish. 

Finally, you can reduce the portion size and serve the mac and cheese as a side dish instead of a main dish.

Can You Make LongHorn Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prepare, follow the recipe as directed, then let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature. 

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the plastic wrap or foil. 

Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until it’s heated and the top is golden brown and crispy.

This is an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests, as you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and have it ready to go whenever you need it.

What Can You Serve With It?

LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. One popular option is to serve it with grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork chops. 

The rich and creamy sauce of the mac and cheese complements the savory flavors of the meat.

“Opening a family-style restaurant with comfort food like mac’ n’ cheese, ribs and burgers has always been my dream.”

– Bridget Hall, American Fashion Model

Another option is to serve the mac and cheese alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms. This is a great way to add extra nutrients and fiber to the meal. 

Additionally, you can serve the mac and cheese as a main dish with a side salad or some crusty bread. Whatever you choose to serve it with, LongHorn Steakhouse mac and cheese will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

In Conclusion 

LongHorn Steakhouse’s mac and cheese is a beloved side dish that can now be easily recreated with simple ingredients and steps at home. 

Whether you choose to use elbow macaroni or another pasta shape, the combination of cheddar, Monterey jack, and parmesan cheese creates a deliciously creamy and cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist. 

With the option to add different types of cheese or vegetables to the dish, you can make this recipe your own and even make it healthier with simple substitutions. 

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/11679/homemade-mac-and-cheese/
2. https://www.foodandwine.com/news/tragic-way-monterey-jack-cheese-got-its-name