
Hey, Welcome to the Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe. Yard House Mac and Cheese is a rich, ultra-creamy American-style cheesy pasta inspired by the popular restaurant’s signature comfort dish.
I wanted to recreate that restaurant-style magic at home, and guess what? You can absolutely make it in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.
Today, I’m walking you through the easiest way to whip up this ultra-creamy, irresistible mac and cheese.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
The Yard House restaurant chain is known for its modern American comfort food, and their mac and cheese became popular due to its creamy texture, bold cheese blend, and upscale pub-style twist, making it a fan-favorite dish nationwide.
What Does Yard House Mac and Cheese Taste Like?
It’s ultra-creamy, rich, and deeply cheesy with a slight sharpness from cheddar and a smooth meltiness from Monterey Jack. The sauce coats every noodle perfectly, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying.
By the way, you can also try the Stalekracker Pastalaya Recipe.
Yard House Mac and Cheese Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 3 cups cooked |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¼ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Optional toppings | bacon, green onions |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowl
How to Make Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook until it turns slightly golden.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until fully melted.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for restaurant-style flavor.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated and creamy.
Step 7: Serve
Top with crispy bacon or green onions and serve hot.
Recipe Card

Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook until it turns slightly golden.

- Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

- Lower the heat and mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until fully melted.

- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for restaurant-style flavor.

- Mix the pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated and creamy.

- Top with crispy bacon or green onions and serve hot.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mac and cheese alongside crispy chicken tenders, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad.
You can also enjoy it as a main dish topped with bacon, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture without drying out.
Variations You Can Try
If you ever feel like switching things up, you can turn this mac and cheese into a spicy, smoky, or extra-loaded version.
Add jalapeños, smoked paprika, crab meat, or truffle oil to bring a gourmet twist right into your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
This Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe nails the perfect balance of creamy texture, bold cheese flavor, and that restaurant-style richness you crave.
The combination of three cheeses, a smooth roux, and simple seasoning makes every bite taste like something straight from Yard House.
Tips to Prevent Grainy Cheese Sauce
If your cheese sauce ever turns grainy, don’t worry—I’ve been there too. The key is using low heat, adding cheese gradually, and avoiding pre-shredded cheese.
These tips guarantee a silky, smooth sauce every single time.
Best Toppings to Elevate Your Mac and Cheese
You can instantly upgrade this Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe with toppings like crispy bacon, toasted breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, pan-seared sausage, or grilled chicken.
Each topping adds a new texture and bold flavor, turning a simple side dish into a satisfying main course.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish
This Yard House Mac and Cheese Recipe fits perfectly at family dinners, potlucks, game nights, and holiday gatherings.
It’s comforting, universally loved, and easy to scale for crowds, making it your go-to dish whenever you need something delicious and stress-free.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re missing something, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. You can swap whole milk with half-and-half, use Gouda instead of Monterey Jack, or choose gluten-free pasta.
These substitutions keep the dish delicious without affecting the creamy consistency.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
You can fully prepare the sauce and pasta earlier in the day and combine them right before serving.
Just warm the sauce gently, add a splash of milk, and mix in the pasta for fresh, restaurant-style creaminess.
Conclusion
Yard House Mac and Cheese is creamy, rich, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cravings. You can make it even tastier with your favorite toppings and sides.
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)
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Use a mix of heavy cream and whole milk for the richest texture.
Can I add protein to this mac and cheese?
Yes, grilled chicken, bacon, steak bites, or shrimp make great additions.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and give the classic Yard House flavor.
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Yes, top it with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Cavatappi, shells, or rotini also work well.
You can try more recipes from https://puretastyrecipes.com.
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