By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 2, 2023 | Last Updated on December 3, 2023
Yard House is a popular American sports bar chain known for its wide selection of craft beers and delicious food. Among their many tasty menu items, one dish in particular stands out as a fan favorite: their mac and cheese.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this mac and cheese has become an iconic staple at Yard House locations across the country. Whether you’re watching the big game or simply craving some comfort food, Yard House’s mac and cheese is sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home. So grab your apron and get ready to make some delicious mac and cheese just like they do at Yard House! So why wait? Let’s get cooking!
What is Yard House Mac & Cheese?
Yard House’s mac and cheese is a decadent and indulgent dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with flavorful ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, and chicken. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
The dish starts with a rich roux made from butter and flour, which thickens the cheese sauce to create a velvety texture. Then, grated Monterey jack cheese is added to the roux, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
The addition of bacon adds a savory element, while cremini mushrooms provide an earthy flavor. Rotisserie chicken adds protein and can be easily shredded and mixed into the mac and cheese for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
And for those who like some heat, a dash of cayenne pepper and a drizzle of truffle oil take this dish to the next level.
Why Make Yard House Mac & Cheese at Home?
There are several reasons why making Yard House mac and cheese at home is a great idea:
- You can customize it to your liking: Want to add more bacon? Go for it. Prefer a bit more spice? Add some extra cayenne pepper. Making this dish at home allows you to adjust the ingredients to your personal taste.
- It’s budget-friendly: Dining out can be expensive, but recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home can help save money without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s a fun and delicious cooking project: Making Yard House mac and cheese at home is a great way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen. Plus, you get to enjoy the end result – a delicious meal!
- It’s perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s game night with friends or a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: This acts as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Monterey jack cheese: This type of cheese melts easily and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the mac and cheese.
- Milk: Used to create the base of the cheese sauce. Whole milk is recommended for its higher fat content, but low-fat milk can also be used.
- Fusilli pasta: The unique spiral shape of this pasta allows the cheese sauce to cling to it, making every bite flavorful.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty flavor to the mac and cheese. Can be omitted for a vegetarian option or substituted with turkey bacon.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs give the dish a crispy and crunchy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor to the mac and cheese and pairs well with the other cheeses used.
- Salt: Adds seasoning to the dish.
- Gorgonzola cheese: This blue cheese adds a tangy and pungent flavor to the mac and cheese.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add an earthy and savory flavor to the dish.
- White pepper: Has a milder taste compared to black pepper and adds a subtle heat.
- Rotisserie chicken breasts: Adds protein and can be easily shredded and mixed into the mac and cheese.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish. Can be omitted for those who prefer less heat.
- Truffle oil: Adds depth of flavor and a rich, earthy taste to the mac and cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds seasoning and a hint of spice.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Melt Butter and Whisk in Flour
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. This will create a roux which will thicken the cheese sauce.
Step 2
Add Milk and Cheese
- Gradually pour in heated milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add in the grated Monterey jack cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 3
Cook Pasta
- In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Make sure to salt the water before adding the pasta for added flavor.
Step 4
Prepare Bacon and Breadcrumbs
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, cook panko breadcrumbs until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Step 5
Add Cheese Sauce to Pasta
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain and add it to the cheese sauce.
- Stir until well-coated.
Step 6
Mix in Additional Ingredients
- Add in the crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, salt, gorgonzola cheese, cremini mushrooms, white pepper, and rotisserie chicken breasts. Stir until well combined.
Step 7
Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper on top for added heat.
- Drizzle truffle oil over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8
Top with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother and creamier texture.
- Add in other types of cheese like gouda or fontina for added depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and substitute with vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- To make this dish even creamier, add a dollop of cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
- If you can’t find cremini mushrooms, button mushrooms can be used as a substitute.
- For added richness and flavor, top with a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
Nutrition Information
How to store Yard House Mac & Cheese?
To store leftovers of Yard House mac and cheese, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain its creamy texture.
For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.
It’s important to note that freezing and reheating may affect the texture of the dish, but it will still be just as delicious.
What other substitute can I use in Yard House Mac & Cheese?
There are many possible substitutions that can be made in this dish to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Swap bacon with diced ham or crumbled sausage for added protein.
- Omit the mushrooms and add in vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Instead of rotisserie chicken, use cooked and shredded turkey or pork.
Yard House Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- large saucepan
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 4 oz grated Monterey jack cheese
- 1.5 heated cups of milk
- 1/2 lb fusilli pasta
- 4 slices lean bacon
- 8 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 4 oz grated cheddar cheese sharp
- 1/8 tbsp salt
- 2 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 8 tbsp Cremini Mushrooms
- 1/2 pinch white pepper
- 2 Rotisserie Chicken Breasts
- Cayenne pepper
- Truffle oil
- 1/8 tbsp black paper
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once completely melted, use a whisk to smoothly incorporate the flour into the butter creating a roux.
- Gradually pour in heated milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps from forming. Next, add in freshly grated Monterey jack cheese and continue to stir until it has melted into the mixture creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
- In a separate pot, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Don’t forget to add salt to the water before adding the pasta for an extra touch of flavor.
- As your pasta is cooking, prepare your bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon strips onto paper towels to absorb any excess grease. In that same skillet, cook the panko breadcrumbs until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a delightful crunch.
- Drain your pasta once it’s fully cooked and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir well until each piece is completely coated in a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Now it’s time to add in the rest of your ingredients. Mix in the crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, salt, pungent gorgonzola cheese, earthy cremini mushrooms, subtle white pepper, and shredded rotisserie chicken breasts.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer your mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. For an added kick, sprinkle cayenne pepper on top before drizzling with truffle oil.
- Bake your mac and cheese for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once fully cooked, remove from the oven and top with crispy panko breadcrumbs for that final touch of texture and crunch. Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent dish!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother and creamier texture.
- Add in other types of cheese like gouda or fontina for added depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and substitute with vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- To make this dish even creamier, add a dollop of cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
- If you can’t find cremini mushrooms, button mushrooms can be used as a substitute.
- For added richness and flavor, top with a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used but freshly grated cheese will yield a smoother and creamier texture.
How spicy is this mac and cheese with the added cayenne pepper?
The amount of cayenne pepper used can be adjusted to personal preference. It adds a subtle heat but can be omitted for those who prefer less spice.
Can I add different types of cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding in your favorite types of cheese for added flavor and richness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble before baking.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this recipe for Yard House Mac & Cheese. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious and indulgent dish.
Don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite ingredients and let us know how it turns out! Make sure to share this article with your friends and family who love mac and cheese.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
