Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese Recipe: Beginner’s Guide

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Got a hankering for creamy, cheesy comfort food? The **Mac & Cheese recipe from Macaroni Grill** will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

This dish features al dente elbow macaroni coated in a velvety blend of cheeses, butter, and cream to satisfy your cravings.  

Whether you’re looking to recreate a beloved restaurant dish at home or want to indulge in a decadent mac and cheese, Macaroni Grill’s recipe is a must-try. 

So grab your apron and prepare to whip up some deliciousness in your kitchen.

What Are The Ingredients Needed To Make Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese Recipe?

• 1 pound of elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Optional garnish:

• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves

How Do You Cook The Macaroni?

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni [1] to the boiling water and stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Cook the macaroni for 7-8 minutes or until al dente (cooked but firm to the bite).
4. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking.
5. Set the macaroni aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Read: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

How Do You Make The Cheese Sauce?

1. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and constantly whisk for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
3. Gradually pour 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, constantly whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
6. Add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
8. Cook the macaroni and cheese over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
9. Optional: Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves before serving.
10. Be sure to keep whisking the sauce constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.

“If I tell you there’s cheese on the moon, bring the crackers.”

– Tyronn Lue, American Professional Basketball Coach

How Do You Assemble & Bake Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese Recipe?

1. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions in the previous answer.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce and mix it with the cooked macaroni.
3. If desired, serve the Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley [2] leaves.
4. If you want to add a crispy topping to the mac and cheese, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top before serving. 
5. Then, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. However, this step is optional as the Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese recipe does not require baking.

“Macaroni Grill’s mac and cheese recipe is a symphony of creamy indulgence, where each cheesy note dances on your taste buds, creating a harmonious melody of comfort and satisfaction.”

Eat Pallet Restuarant & Food Advice

Can You Make Any Modifications To The Recipe?

1. Add protein: Add cooked and diced chicken, shrimp, or bacon to the mac and cheese for extra protein and flavor.
2. Add vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, you can add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the mac and cheese.
3. Use different types of cheese: While the recipe calls for cheddar and Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda, fontina, or blue cheese for a different taste.
4. Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you like your mac and cheese spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
5. Use different types of pasta: While the recipe calls for elbow macaroni, you can use other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni to change up the texture of the dish.
6. Make it gluten-free: To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like rice flour or cornstarch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts 

Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese recipe is a delicious and classic comfort food that many have enjoyed for years. This dish is a favorite for kids and adults with its creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. 

Although the recipe is not considered the healthiest, it can be modified to suit different dietary needs and preferences. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please. 

So next time you’re in the mood for a cheesy and comforting meal, try the Macaroni Grill Mac & Cheese recipe and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238691/simple-macaroni-and-cheese/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284490

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Shari Mason

Co-Founder & Senior Writer at Eat Pallet

Hey, I'm Shari! After more than a decade in the restaurant industry, I've decided to share my experience online with you here. Learn more about us here or you can contact me directly [email protected].

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