By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 19, 2023 | Last Updated on October 14, 2023
Are you ready for the best Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese recipe? Macaroni Grill’s version of this classic dish is legendary. This creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting pasta dish has been a staple on the menu since 1988 when it first opened.
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to enjoy mac and cheese at home, give Macaroni Grill’s version a try. With a few simple ingredients, you can have this classic comfort food dish ready in no time!
This guide will take you through all the steps of making this delicious dish. We’ll talk about what it tastes like, how I first got introduced to it, and how to make your own version at home. Read on for more info!
What is Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese is a cheesy, creamy macaroni dish with a hint of nutmeg. It’s one of the signature dishes from the Italian-American restaurant chain Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
It’s made with mozzarella, asiago, fontina and cheddar cheeses, truffle oil, and Italian seasoning.
Perfect for a party or a family gathering. This classic comfort food dish is sure to please the whole family.
What does it taste like?
Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese have a creamy, cheesy flavor. The sharpness of the cheeses balances out the sweetness from the truffle oil while the Italian seasoning adds an herbal kick.
The top layer of cubed French bread brings a crunchy texture to the dish and the overall flavor is sure to satisfy.
How did I first get introduced to the Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese?
I first tried Macaroni Grill’s version of mac and cheese while visiting one of their restaurants on a family vacation. I was immediately drawn to the dish because of its creamy, cheesy flavor and comforting texture.
The truffle oil gave it a unique depth that I hadn’t tasted in any other mac and cheese before. It quickly became one of my go-to dishes when visiting Macaroni Grill and I even started making my own version at home using their recipe.
How to make Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese?
Making Macaroni Grill’s Mac and Cheese at home is simple and easy. All you need are a few basic ingredients & follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Ingredients
- Pasta: This dish calls for your favorite type of macaroni-style pasta.
- Unsalted Butter: The butter will be used in two different steps in this recipe so make sure to measure it out accordingly.
- All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient will help to thicken up the sauce.
- Whole Milk: For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of a lower-fat variety.
- Ground Nutmeg: This mild spice adds warmth and nuttiness to the cheese sauce.
- Salt: Use to bring out flavors in the dish.
- Cheeses: A combination of mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and cheddar cheeses give the macaroni that classic cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
- Romano Cheese: This salty, nutty cheese adds a nice bite to the dish.
- Truffle Oil: A small amount of truffle oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the macaroni.
- Italian Seasoning: This versatile blend of herbs and spices will bring all the flavors together.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an extra layer of flavor but you can also use garlic powder.
- French Bread: Cubed French bread added to the top of the macaroni adds a golden, crunchy texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk together until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Remove the pan from heat and add the nutmeg, salt, mozzarella cheese, asiago cheese, fontina cheese, cheddar cheese, and Romano cheese. Whisk together until all ingredients are combined and the cheese is completely melted.
Step 6
Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over top. Stir to combine everything together then top with cubed french bread.
Step 7
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining butter, truffle oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic until combined. Drizzle the butter mixture over the top of the macaroni.
Step 8
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Tips
– Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
– For a crunchier topping, sprinkle the cubed French bread with Parmesan cheese before baking.
– Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free friendly.
– This is also great as leftovers so feel free to double the recipe and freeze half for later.
Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Stock pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Spatula
- cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb Pasta
- 1/6 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Divided
- 1/6 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 3 cups buttermilk or whole milk
- 3 Ounces Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 6 tbsp Pecorino Romano Cheese shredded
- 4 Ounces Fontina Cheese, Shredded
- 6 Ounces Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
- 4 Ounces Asiago Cheese, Shredded
- ⅓ tsp Dried Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tbsp Truffle Oil
- 3 cups Cubed French Bread (1/2 Inch)
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced or finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk together until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 3 minutes or the until slightly thickened.
- Remove the pan from heat and add the nutmeg, salt, mozzarella cheese, asiago cheese, fontina cheese, cheddar cheese, and Romano cheese. Whisk together until all ingredients are combined and the cheese is completely melted.
- Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over top. Stir to combine everything together then top with cubed french bread.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining butter, truffle oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic until combined. Drizzle the butter mixture over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2cups
Calories: 1047kcal (52%)
Carbohydrates: 71.1g (24%)
Protein: 47.3g (95%)
Fat: 65.4g (101%)
Saturated Fat: 37.3g (233%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 178mg (59%)
Sodium: 1542mg (67%)
Potassium: 118mg (3%)
Fiber: 3.2g (13%)
Sugar: 5.1g (6%)
Calcium: 702mg (70%)
Iron: 3mg (17%)
What to serve with Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese pair great with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
– Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
– A green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the creamy macaroni.
– Garlic bread for a garlicky accompaniment.
– Grilled chicken or steak for added protein.pair
– Some crusty bread for dipping in the cheesy sauce.
– Baked potatoes to round out a hearty meal.
– Bacon and mushrooms as a flavorful addition to the dish.
How to store leftover Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese?
You can store leftover Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the macaroni on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Place the macaroni in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can enjoy Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese in moderation. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium so it should be eaten sparingly. It’s always best to consult with your doctor before eating any new dish while pregnant.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheeses to suit your tastes. Some good options are Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, or Pecorino Romano.
Can I add other ingredients to the dish?
Yes! Feel free to customize the Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese with any of your favorite ingredients. Some tasty additions are cooked bacon, chives, jalapeno peppers, or mushrooms.
Is Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional macaroni noodles. You can also substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickener for the cheese sauce.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese vegan by swapping out the dairy for plant-based alternatives. Use a vegan butter substitute for the butter, use almond milk or other non-dairy milks instead of cow’s milk, and choose vegan cheeses.
Can I make Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in the slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally throughout the cooking time so everything is evenly mixed. When done, top with the cubed French bread and butter mixture before serving.
Wrapping Up
Macaroni Grill’s Mac and Cheese is a delicious, comforting dish that is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Its creamy cheese sauce combined with crunchy cubed French bread makes it an irresistible meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish to feed a crowd, this Macaroni Grill favorite is sure to be a hit. With the help of these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can make your own version of this classic comfort food right in your own kitchen!
Thank you for reading! I hope you find this article helpful & don’t forget to share this with your loved ones.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
