If you’ve ever visited a steakhouse like Outback or Longhorn, you know their mac and cheese is more than just a side dish—it’s the star of the plate. Creamy, indulgent, and loaded with rich flavor, this Steakhouse Mac and Cheese copycat recipe brings that restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, pairing it with steak, or adding it to a holiday spread, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
The best part? You don’t need a reservation. With simple pantry staples and a few tips, you can recreate this Outback Mac and Cheese recipe in under an hour.
If you’re into comfort-food classics, you might also love pairing this dish with Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini for a complete steakhouse-style spread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Outback Mac and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s inspired by the rich, creamy bowls served at popular steakhouses. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Extra creamy sauce made with multiple cheeses.
- Restaurant-quality flavor without the price tag.
- Perfect as a side or main dish—serve with steak, chicken, or seafood.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing—kids and adults will devour it.
- Easy to customize with toppings and mix-ins.
It’s comfort food at its finest, much like these cozy Pumpkin Muffins, but savory instead of sweet.
Outback Mac and Cheese Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese recipe at home. The secret is in the cheese blend and creamy sauce.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for a fancier twist)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings:
- Crispy breadcrumbs tossed with butter
- Extra shredded cheddar for baking finish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Love experimenting with creamy sides? Try this Creamy Vegetable Pasta for a veggie-packed twist.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Creamy Mac and Cheese
To make your steakhouse food copycat mac and cheese silky and smooth, gather these tools:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander
- Large skillet or saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish (if baking with topping)
- Measuring cups and spoons
With these basics, you’re all set to recreate Steakhouse Mac and Cheese at home.
How to Make Steakhouse Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to make this rich and cheesy comfort food in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make a roux
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add milk and cream
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Season the sauce
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Add cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat every piece. At this stage, you can serve it creamy right from the stovetop—or bake it.
Step 7: Optional bake
Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and extra cheddar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
This baked option makes it as indulgent as a steakhouse entrée and pairs beautifully with a Harvest Quinoa Salad.
Tips for the Best Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Use whole milk and cream for richness.
- Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Add cheese slowly—stir a handful at a time for the creamiest sauce.
- Balance flavors—Dijon mustard adds tang and depth without overpowering.
Much like our Loaded Breakfast Hash, balance is everything in building flavor.
Flavor Variations & Steakhouse Twists
Want to give your copycat Outback Mac and Cheese a unique spin? Try these:
- Bacon Mac: Stir in crispy bacon crumbles.
- Lobster Mac: Fold in chunks of cooked lobster for a luxe twist.
- Jalapeño Popper Mac: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac: Mix in shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Four-Cheese Blend: Try Fontina, Havarti, or Colby Jack alongside cheddar.
Pair with a refreshing Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-fat dairy: It won’t achieve the right creaminess.
- Adding cheese too quickly: It may clump or turn grainy.
- Skipping the roux: Essential for thick, silky sauce.
- Overbaking: Can dry out the pasta.
- Seasoning lightly: Pasta and dairy need bold seasoning.
For a guaranteed success, treat this dish like a steakhouse entrée, much like the care in Ground Beef Wellington.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
This indulgent dish deserves equally delicious sides. Try these:
- Classic steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet)
- Grilled chicken breast
- Roasted vegetables like Honey-Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
- Fresh salads such as Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- Warm bread sides like Cheesy Zucchini Bread
This is true steakhouse food—hearty, bold, and perfectly satisfying.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or in the oven at 300°F covered with foil until warmed through.
Leftovers also make a great filling for stuffed peppers or pair well with a California Turkey Club Wrap for next-day lunch.
Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Cavatappi, shells, or penne work well.
What’s the best cheese blend?
Sharp cheddar + Gruyère for tang, Parmesan for saltiness, mozzarella for stretch.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Do I have to bake it?
Not at all! It’s delicious creamy right off the stovetop.
Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne, chili flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
For another crowd-pleasing dinner option, try our One-Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Steakhouse Mac and Cheese recipe brings all the comfort and luxury of your favorite Outback or Longhorn side dish right to your table. With its creamy sauce, perfect pasta, and bold flavor, it’s the kind of dish you’ll make again and again—whether for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Did you love this recipe? Share it with your friends, leave a comment below, and subscribe to the blog for more steakhouse-inspired meals and cozy comfort food classics.
For dessert, don’t miss the buttery, nutty Pecan Pie Cookies—they’re the perfect sweet ending after a rich mac and cheese dinner.
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Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes – Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe is a wholesome, fuss-free dinner that’s hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor. With lean chicken, sweet potatoes, and warm spices, it’s the perfect slow cooker meal for busy families and cozy fall nights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Layer veggies: Place sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle paprika, thyme, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss lightly.
- Add chicken: Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Season with more salt and pepper.
- Pour broth: Add chicken broth over everything.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Layer sweet potatoes on the bottom so they cook evenly.
- A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the flavors.
- Don’t use too much broth—it can make the dish watery.
- Great for meal prep—stores and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
