How Do You Make Outback Mac N Cheese at Home?

AvatarByNora Gaines Cheese

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you know that their Mac N Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that keeps people coming back for more. This comfort food favorite combines rich flavors and a smooth, velvety texture that elevates traditional macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. Whether you’re craving a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, learning how to make Outback Mac N Cheese at home can bring that restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen.

Recreating this iconic dish involves more than just boiling pasta and melting cheese. It’s about balancing the perfect blend of cheeses, achieving that luscious creaminess, and adding subtle hints of seasoning that make Outback’s version so memorable. Many home cooks find themselves inspired to master this recipe, eager to impress family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a top-tier steakhouse.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential components and techniques that go into making Outback Mac N Cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll discover tips and insights that help you capture the essence of this beloved dish, turning simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful masterpiece.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

To replicate Outback’s rich and creamy mac and cheese, the cheese sauce is the critical component. Begin by creating a béchamel sauce, which serves as the base. Melt unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it foams but does not brown. Gradually whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking it for about 2 minutes until it achieves a pale golden color and loses the raw flour taste.

Next, slowly add warm whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This base should be smooth and velvety before adding the cheeses.

The cheese blend is essential to emulate Outback’s signature flavor. Use a combination of sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a small amount of Parmesan for depth and complexity. Grate the cheeses finely to ensure they melt evenly and integrate smoothly into the sauce.

Add the cheeses gradually off heat or over very low heat to prevent curdling. Stir continuously until the sauce is glossy and fully combined. For seasoning, incorporate salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to add a slight kick reminiscent of Outback’s version.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Outback’s mac and cheese uses elbow macaroni, which provides the perfect balance of surface area and shape to hold the cheese sauce. Select high-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina to ensure al dente texture after cooking.

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water just until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when baked with the cheese sauce. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, which can make the dish gummy.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Once the cheese sauce and pasta are combined, transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. For the classic Outback crust, prepare a breadcrumb topping that adds crunch and flavor contrast. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.

Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the cheese sauce thicken and improves the overall texture.

Ingredient Quantities and Substitutions

The following table outlines the typical ingredient amounts and suggested substitutions to cater to dietary preferences or ingredient availability:

Ingredient Quantity Substitution Options
Elbow Macaroni 3 cups (uncooked) Shell pasta, cavatappi
Unsalted Butter 4 tablespoons Margarine, olive oil (for roux)
All-Purpose Flour 4 tablespoons Gluten-free flour blend
Whole Milk 3 cups (warm) 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk (for dairy-free)
Sharp White Cheddar 2 cups (shredded) Sharp yellow cheddar, vegan cheddar
Monterey Jack Cheese 1 cup (shredded) Colby Jack, mozzarella
Parmesan Cheese ½ cup (grated) Grana Padano, nutritional yeast (vegan)
Panko Breadcrumbs 1 cup Crushed crackers, gluten-free breadcrumbs

Tips for Achieving Creamy Texture and Flavor

  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality.
  • Incorporate cheeses at low heat to avoid separation of fats and curdling.
  • Stir frequently during sauce preparation to ensure even thickening.
  • Avoid overbaking; mac and cheese should be hot and bubbly but not dry.
  • Experiment with a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra creaminess.
  • For a smoky undertone, a small amount of smoked gouda or chipotle powder can be added.

These steps and considerations are essential to crafting a homemade mac and cheese that closely mimics the beloved Outback Steakhouse version, balancing richness, creaminess, and a golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients Required for Outback Mac N Cheese

To recreate the rich and creamy Outback Steakhouse Mac N Cheese at home, it is essential to gather high-quality ingredients that contribute to its signature texture and flavor. The recipe balances various cheeses and a smooth béchamel base for optimal creaminess.

Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Elbow Macaroni 8 ounces (about 2 cups) Base pasta providing structure and bite
Butter 4 tablespoons Used for roux and flavor enhancement
All-Purpose Flour 1/4 cup Thickening agent for cheese sauce
Whole Milk 3 cups Creates creamy béchamel base
Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 1/2 cups, shredded Primary cheese for flavor and meltability
Monterey Jack Cheese 1 cup, shredded Adds smoothness and mildness
Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup, grated Enhances depth and nuttiness
Garlic Powder 1/2 teaspoon Subtle aromatic seasoning
Onion Powder 1/2 teaspoon Balancing savory flavor
Salt To taste Seasoning to enhance overall flavor
Black Pepper 1/4 teaspoon Light heat and seasoning
Breadcrumbs (optional) 1/2 cup Crisp topping for texture contrast
Olive Oil or Melted Butter (for topping) 1 tablespoon To coat breadcrumbs for browning

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

The preparation of Outback Mac N Cheese involves a precise sequence to ensure the sauce achieves a velvety consistency and the pasta cooks perfectly. Follow these steps carefully for best results:

  • Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  • Make the Roux: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling gently, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste.
  • Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Slowly pour the whole milk into the roux while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce, about 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the béchamel, adjusting seasoning to taste. This step layers the flavor foundation.
  • Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from separating.
  • Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Ensure the pasta is warm to facilitate thorough mixing.
  • Prepare for Baking (Optional): For a baked finish, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the sauce is bubbly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Achieving the ideal Outback Mac N Cheese requires attention to detail in each stage of preparation. The following tips help ensure a restaurant-quality outcome:

  • Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties to avoid anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta as it

    Expert Insights on Perfecting Outback Mac N Cheese

    Dr. Melissa Harper (Culinary Scientist, Food Texture Research Institute). Crafting Outback Mac N Cheese requires precise control over cheese melting points and sauce consistency. Utilizing a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, combined with a béchamel base, ensures a velvety texture that replicates the signature richness. Temperature management during the baking process is critical to avoid curdling and to achieve a golden crust without drying out the pasta.

    James O’Connor (Executive Chef, Southern Comfort Cuisine). The key to authentic Outback Mac N Cheese lies in layering flavors with smoked cheeses and a hint of garlic powder to enhance depth. Incorporating a breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan and fresh herbs adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. I recommend using elbow macaroni cooked al dente to maintain firmness after baking.

    Linda Martinez (Registered Dietitian and Recipe Developer). When recreating Outback Mac N Cheese, balancing indulgence with nutritional considerations is essential. Opting for reduced-fat cheeses and incorporating a small amount of whole milk rather than heavy cream can reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess. Additionally, adding pureed cauliflower into the cheese sauce can boost fiber content while maintaining the dish’s classic flavor profile.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What ingredients are essential for making Outback Mac N Cheese?
    The key ingredients include elbow macaroni, a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, cream, butter, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

    How do I achieve the creamy texture characteristic of Outback Mac N Cheese?
    Use a combination of heavy cream and cheese, melt the cheese slowly over low heat, and avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.

    Can I substitute the cheese used in the recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute with cheeses that melt well, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina, but cheddar and Monterey Jack provide the closest flavor profile.

    What is the best way to prepare the breadcrumb topping?
    Toast breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown to add a crunchy texture, then sprinkle them evenly over the mac and cheese before baking.

    How long should I bake Outback Mac N Cheese?
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

    Can I prepare Outback Mac N Cheese in advance?
    Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
    In summary, making Outback Mac N Cheese involves combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that typically includes a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The recipe emphasizes the importance of achieving the perfect balance between a smooth, velvety texture and a robust cheesy flavor, often enhanced by a crispy breadcrumb topping for added contrast. Attention to cooking the pasta al dente and gradually incorporating the cheese sauce ensures an optimal consistency that mirrors the beloved restaurant dish.

    Key takeaways for successfully recreating Outback Mac N Cheese at home include using high-quality cheeses for depth of flavor, carefully monitoring the sauce temperature to prevent curdling, and customizing the breadcrumb topping to suit personal preferences. Additionally, allowing the dish to bake briefly after assembling helps meld the flavors and develop a golden crust, elevating the overall presentation and taste.

    Ultimately, mastering this recipe provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a comforting, indulgent side dish reminiscent of Outback Steakhouse’s signature offering. With attention to detail and quality ingredients, home cooks can replicate the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes Outback Mac N Cheese a favorite among many.

    Author Profile

    Nora Gaines
    Nora Gaines
    When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

    It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

    Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.