Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese recipe brings the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Known for its rich cheese sauce and smooth texture, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs perfectly with grilled steak, chicken, burgers, or even a fresh salad.
Whether you’re craving the classic Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese served alongside a hearty meal or simply looking for a quick comfort food recipe, this homemade version delivers restaurant-style flavor in every bite.
Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for family dinners, weeknight meals, and special occasions alike.
What Does Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Taste Like?
Every spoonful offers a luxurious combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni. The Velveeta creates an ultra-smooth texture that coats the pasta evenly, while the heavy cream adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
A touch of steakhouse seasoning brings subtle savory notes that balance the cheese without overpowering it. The seasoned breadcrumbs add a light crunch, creating a pleasant contrast against the velvety pasta. Fresh parsley contributes a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese at home, expect a comforting blend of cheesy goodness, buttery richness, and satisfying texture that tastes remarkably close to the restaurant favorite.
Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
- 4 cups water
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon steakhouse seasoning
- 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kitchen Tools/Utensils List
- Medium saucepan (for pasta)
- Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowls
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy restaurant-style mac and cheese with confidence and ease. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, place the cubed Velveeta cheese and heavy cream in a separate saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add the steakhouse seasoning to the melted cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors blend evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every noodle is fully coated in the rich and creamy mixture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the finished dish to serving bowls while hot.
Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Customization & Serving Pairing Ideas for Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
This Outback Steakhouse mac n cheese recipe is easy to personalize and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and flavorful additions.
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are seven delicious ideas:
1. Serve It with Grilled Steak
For the ultimate steakhouse experience, pair this creamy mac and cheese with a juicy grilled ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steak. The rich cheese sauce complements the savory flavors of grilled beef, creating a restaurant-style meal at home.
2. Add Crispy Bacon
Mix crumbled crispy bacon into the finished dish for extra texture and smoky flavor. Bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheese sauce and makes the dish even more satisfying.
3. Turn It into a Chicken Dinner
Serve the mac and cheese alongside grilled, roasted, or blackened chicken breasts. The mild flavor of chicken allows the creamy cheese sauce to shine while creating a balanced and filling meal.
4. Top with Toasted Breadcrumbs
For extra texture, toast seasoned breadcrumbs in a little butter and sprinkle them generously over the top before serving. The crunchy topping adds a pleasant contrast to the creamy pasta.
5. Mix in Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli florets, peas, or roasted cauliflower can be stirred into the dish for added nutrition and color. These vegetables blend naturally with the cheesy sauce while making the meal more wholesome.
6. Create Mac and Cheese Bites
If you enjoy Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese bites, chill the prepared mac and cheese until firm, shape into small balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown. They make a fun appetizer or party snack.
7. Pair with Fresh Salad
Balance the richness by serving the dish with a crisp garden salad, Caesar salad, or mixed greens. The fresh vegetables and light dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta and help round out the meal.
Expert Cooking Tips for Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Making Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese at home is simple, but a few expert techniques can help you achieve the creamiest and most flavorful results.
Follow these expert tips for perfect results every time:
1. Cook the Pasta Just Until Al Dente
Avoid overcooking the macaroni since it will continue absorbing moisture after being mixed with the sauce. Slightly firm pasta maintains a better texture and prevents a mushy final dish.
2. Use Low Heat for the Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauces can become grainy when exposed to excessive heat. Melt the Velveeta and cream slowly over medium-low heat while stirring regularly to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
3. Cube the Cheese Before Melting
Cutting the cheese into small, even cubes helps it melt faster and more evenly. This simple step reduces the chance of lumps and creates a velvety consistency.
4. Stir Frequently but Gently
Frequent stirring prevents the cheese sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the pasta is added, stir gently to avoid breaking the macaroni while ensuring every piece is coated.
5. Taste Before Serving
Different steakhouse seasonings vary in salt content and intensity. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary to achieve the flavor balance you prefer.
6. Add Extra Cream When Reheating
Mac and cheese naturally thickens as it cools. When reheating leftovers, add a small splash of heavy cream or milk and stir well to restore the original creamy texture.
7. Serve Immediately for the Best Texture
Like many cheese-based pasta dishes, this recipe tastes best when freshly prepared. Serving it right away ensures the sauce remains smooth, rich, and perfectly creamy rather than becoming thick as it sits.
These simple techniques can make a noticeable difference in the final dish, helping you recreate the comforting, restaurant-style texture and flavor that fans of how to make Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese love.
Storage & Reheating Guidance
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese recipe brings the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Known for its rich cheese sauce and smooth texture, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs perfectly with grilled steak, chicken, burgers, or even a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon steakhouse seasoning
- 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, place the cubed Velveeta cheese and heavy cream in a separate saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add the steakhouse seasoning to the melted cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors blend evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every noodle is fully coated in the rich and creamy mixture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the finished dish to serving bowls while hot. Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 510
Common Queries and FAQs About Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
When you give this Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
1. What are the different types of Outback mac and cheese?
Outback Steakhouse has offered a few variations of mac and cheese over the years, depending on location and menu updates. The most common version features elbow macaroni coated in a creamy cheese sauce. Some locations have also served specialty options paired with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. Fans often recreate restaurant-inspired versions at home and even transform leftovers into crispy mac and cheese bites.
2. Why did Outback change their mac and cheese?
Restaurant chains periodically update recipes to improve consistency, streamline kitchen operations, respond to customer preferences, or refresh menu offerings. Outback Steakhouse has adjusted various menu items over time, and some guests have noticed differences in texture, ingredients, or presentation compared to earlier versions.
3. How good is Outback mac and cheese?
Many diners enjoy Outback’s mac and cheese for its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavor. The smooth cheese sauce, tender pasta, and mild seasoning make it a popular side dish that appeals to both kids and adults. Its steakhouse-style richness pairs especially well with grilled meats and hearty entrees.
4. How do you make mac and cheese like Outback Steakhouse?
To create a restaurant-style version at home, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then combine it with a creamy cheese sauce made from Velveeta cheese, heavy cream, and steakhouse seasoning. Finish with seasoned breadcrumbs and fresh parsley for added texture and flavor.
5. What cheese is used in Outback-style mac and cheese?
Homemade versions commonly use Velveeta because it melts smoothly and creates the signature creamy texture many people associate with the dish. Some cooks also blend in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or American cheese for additional flavor complexity.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
7. Can I freeze Outback-style mac and cheese?
Yes, although cheese sauces can change slightly in texture after freezing. Store it in an airtight container for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
8. What can I serve with Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese?
This dish pairs well with grilled steak, roasted chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, pork chops, and seafood. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli.
9. How can I make the recipe even creamier?
For extra richness, add a little more heavy cream, stir in a small amount of cream cheese, or mix in freshly shredded cheddar cheese while the sauce is still warm. Avoid high heat, which can affect the sauce’s smooth texture.
10. Can I turn this into Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese bites?
Absolutely. Allow the prepared mac and cheese to cool completely, then chill until firm. Shape into small portions, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry or air-fry until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a creamy, cheesy center that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack.
This recipe for Outback Steakhouse mac and cheese is an easy way to recreate a beloved steakhouse side dish without leaving home. Its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and savory seasoning make it a comforting addition to almost any meal. Pair it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or enjoy it as a satisfying main course.
Fans of Outback mac and cheese will appreciate how simple and flavorful this homemade version is. Give it a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a restaurant-inspired classic whenever the craving strikes.
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