Macaroni Grill Mac And Cheese Recipe
Craving that irresistible, restaurant-style comfort food? Let me take you straight to flavour heaven with my Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese. Inspired by the creamy, decadent dish from Macaroni Grill, this recipe blends the richness of four gourmet cheeses, smoked mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and cheddar, with a silky milk-based sauce. I also add a touch of truffle oil for an upscale twist and finish it off with a crispy, garlic-infused bread topping.
This is not your average mac and cheese; it’s a full-on cheesy masterpiece that delivers comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of luxury in every bite. Whether you serve it as the star of your meal or as a show-stopping side, one thing’s certain: you’ll want to make it again and again.
Pasta & Cheese Sauce Preparation
Getting the pasta and sauce just right is the heart of this dish. This is where that rich, creamy, signature Macaroni Grill flavour comes to life.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Water:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. I always make sure the water is well-salted; it’s the first step in building flavour. - Cook Until Al Dente:
Add the Barilla dry ditalini pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, just until al dente. The pasta will bake later, so you don’t want it too soft now. - Drain & Set Aside:
Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ⅓ cup of butter until it’s foamy. - Whisk in the Flour:
Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux. This step ensures your sauce thickens without lumps. - Add the Milk Gradually:
Slowly pour in the milk in a thin, steady stream while whisking. This gradual addition prevents clumps and keeps the sauce silky. - Season the Sauce:
Stir in the salt and ground nutmeg. Let the sauce cook for 7–8 minutes, whisking frequently, until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. - Incorporate the Cheeses:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the smoked mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and cheddar cheeses. Reserve 2 ⅓ cups of this cheese mixture for the topping. Add the remaining cheese to the saucepan, a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until fully melted. - Add Romano Cheese & Truffle Oil:
Stir in the Romano cheese for extra depth, then drizzle in the truffle oil for that restaurant-style gourmet touch.
Combining Pasta & Sauce
Once the sauce is velvety and the cheeses have fully melted, add the cooked pasta directly into the saucepan. Stir gently until each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy cheese mixture.
Pour the cheesy pasta into your baking dish or individual ramekins, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture evenly over the top; it’s going to bake into that irresistible, golden crust.
Garlic Bread Topping & Baking
The topping is what transforms this from just mac and cheese into the full Macaroni Grill experience. Buttery, garlicky bread cubes bake up crisp on top while the cheese underneath stays molten and creamy.
Preparing the Bread Topping
- Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining ⅓ cup of butter until it’s hot but not browning. - Add Garlic & Seasoning:
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 30 seconds, just enough for the garlic to release its aroma without burning. - Toss in the Bread Cubes:
Add the cubed French bread and toss well so every piece is coated in the buttery garlic mixture. - Spread Over the Pasta:
Distribute the bread cubes evenly over the cheese-topped pasta in the baking dish. These will crisp beautifully in the oven.
Baking the Mac and Cheese
- Preheat & Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. Bake the dish for 20–25 minutes until the bread topping is golden brown and crunchy, and the cheese beneath is bubbling. - Cool Slightly Before Serving:
Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This short wait makes serving easier and ensures you get those gorgeous cheese pulls.
Serving Suggestions
This Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese is rich enough to be the star of your dinner table, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes:
- Fresh Green Salad: The crispness and acidity of a salad balance the creamy richness.
- Garlic-Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work perfectly.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: For a protein boost, add grilled meats alongside.
- Crusty Bread: If you’re like me and love extra carbs with your carbs, fresh-baked bread is a must.
When serving, I like to scoop generous portions into wide bowls so the sauce and topping both shine.
Storage Instructions
Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid uneven reheating.
Freezing Option
You can freeze the mac and cheese before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F until hot and bubbly, adding about 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
Macaroni Grill Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When I make this Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese, having the right tools ready makes everything flow so much smoothly:- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
- Large Saucepan: To prepare the creamy cheese sauce.
- Whisk: Essential for blending flour into butter without lumps.
- Mixing Bowls: For tossing and combining cheeses.
- Baking Dish: A large dish or individual ramekins for that bubbly, baked finish.
- Large Skillet: Perfect for toasting the garlic bread topping evenly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For gentle stirring without breaking the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese
1. Can I use a different pasta shape instead of ditalini?
Absolutely! While ditalini gives that authentic restaurant feel, elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or penne also work beautifully. Just make sure to cook until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
2. What can I substitute for truffle oil?
If you don’t have truffle oil or prefer a milder flavour, you can use olive oil or melted butter instead. The dish will still be rich and delicious without it.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
4. How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?
The key is to melt the cheese over low heat and add it gradually to the sauce. Overheating or adding all the cheese at once can cause it to separate.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the pasta for your favourite gluten-free variety and replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture and flavour will still be fantastic.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for the best texture.
Conclusion
Making this Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese at home is like bringing a little slice of the restaurant into your kitchen. The creamy blend of cheeses, the touch of truffle oil, and the golden garlic bread topping create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or simply when you need a cheesy pick-me-up. Every bite delivers a mix of textures, from silky sauce to crunchy topping, and a depth of flavour that keeps you coming back for more.
So, next time the craving strikes, skip the reservation and whip up this recipe instead. Trust me, you’ll feel like a chef at Macaroni Grill without ever leaving your home.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
