Hey, Welcome to the Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy, comfort-style mac and cheese inspired by the rich, kid-friendly side dish served at Texas Roadhouse.
I still remember the first time I ordered this mac and cheese at Texas Roadhouse. One bite and I knew you’d love how creamy and mild it is. Today, I’m walking you through how you can make it at home easily.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese is inspired by classic American comfort food. Restaurants popularized this creamy pasta to please all ages, especially kids, pairing it with steaks and ribs as a simple, satisfying side.
What does Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese taste like?
This mac and cheese tastes ultra-creamy, mildly cheesy, and buttery. You won’t find sharp or overpowering flavors here. Instead, it’s smooth, comforting, and familiar, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
By the way, you can also try the Texas Roadhouse French Dressing Recipe.
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (mild) | 1½ cups |
| American cheese | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Colander
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Cook until just tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute until smooth and lightly bubbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Slowly add milk while whisking. Cook until slightly thickened, then add cheddar and American cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to keep the flavor mild and family-friendly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness.
Recipe Card
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Cook until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute until smooth and lightly bubbly.
- Slowly add milk while whisking. Cook until slightly thickened, then add cheddar and American cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Add salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to keep the flavor mild and family-friendly.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this creamy mac and cheese alongside juicy steaks, BBQ ribs, or crispy chicken tenders.
You can also enjoy it as a comforting main dish with garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage Tips
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make Mac and Cheese Extra Creamy
If you want that true Texas Roadhouse-style creaminess, I recommend using whole milk, melting cheese slowly, and never rushing the sauce. I’ll also share small stirring and heat-control tricks that prevent grainy or thick mac and cheese.
Best Cheese Choices for Authentic Flavor
Choosing the right cheese matters more than you think. Here, I explain why mild cheddar and American cheese work best, what happens if you use sharp cheddar, and which cheeses you should avoid for that smooth, kid-friendly taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cooking
Even simple recipes can go wrong. In this section, I walk you through common mac and cheese mistakes like overheating the sauce, overcooking pasta, or skipping seasoning, so your dish turns out creamy, not clumpy.
How to Adjust the Recipe for a Crowd
Cooking for family dinners or parties? I’ll show you how to double or triple this Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese recipe without losing its creamy texture, plus tips on timing so everything finishes hot and fresh together.
Easy Variations You Can Try at Home
Once you master the classic version, you can have fun with it. I share simple add-ins like bacon bits, shredded chicken, or extra cheese options that still keep the recipe close to the Texas Roadhouse flavor.
Making This Recipe Healthier Without Losing Taste
If you’re watching calories, don’t worry. Here, I explain how to lighten this mac and cheese slightly using lower-fat milk or smaller cheese swaps while keeping the dish creamy, comforting, and satisfying.
Why This Mac and Cheese Is So Popular with Kids
This Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hit with kids for a reason. I explain how the mild cheese, soft pasta, and buttery texture make it appealing to picky eaters, making it a go-to side dish for family meals.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Texas Roadhouse-Style Meal
To recreate the restaurant experience at home, I share perfect main dishes and sides that pair beautifully with this mac and cheese, helping you build a full Texas Roadhouse-inspired dinner everyone will love.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe is simple, creamy, and perfect for busy nights. I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this easy comfort dish again and again.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Texas Roadhouse’s mac and cheese very cheesy?
It’s mildly cheesy and creamy, designed to be smooth and comforting rather than sharp or intense.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, shells or cavatappi work well, but elbow macaroni stays closest to the original texture.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mild cheddar and American cheese give the closest Texas Roadhouse-style flavor and creaminess.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently with milk before serving.
Is this mac and cheese kid-friendly?
Absolutely, it’s smooth, mild, and perfect for kids and picky eaters.
You will also like the Texas Roadhouse Corn Recipe.
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