There’s something about that first bite of Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese that just hits differently. It’s creamy, ultra-cheesy, and topped with that golden breadcrumb crunch. It’s a dish you know you’ll be craving again in no time.
And that’s why this copycat recipe exists. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that rich, steakhouse-style mac and cheese right at home, well, you can! You don’t need complicated techniques or chef-level skills to pull it off, but we’re not just tossing cheese and pasta together and hoping for the best. This recipe is about recreating the texture, flavor, and richness that make everyone love the Outback Steakhouse ‘Mac A Roo ‘N Cheese.’
Table of Contents
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday side dish, or just a satisfying comfort food, this mac and cheese delivers the indulgent restaurant feel at a fraction of the cost and in the comfort of your own home. In this article, you’ll learn all the tips to make this the best mac and cheese recipe around, and how to customize it to really kick this recipe up a notch, making it perfect for even the most elegant of occasions. So put on your apron, read on, and let’s get cooking!
What Makes It An Outback Copycat
The Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese is a popular comfort food, and there are a few things about it that really set it apart from other mac and cheeses.
First is that rich, velvety sauce, achieved with a mix of a few different types of cheese that each add a different flavor profile. To achieve that same decadent flavor without having to buy tons of different cheeses for a single recipe, this recipe uses Velveeta cheese sauce and cheddar cheese. That keeps this recipe simple while still delivering the maximum creaminess that we want from this copycat recipe.
Next, you have the dish’s textures. Corkscrew cavatappi pasta, cooked to an al dente perfection, and crispy, toasted breadcrumbs on top give just enough contrast to balance out the silky smooth cheese sauce.
Then, there’s the seasonings. This mac and cheese wouldn’t replicate the flavors of the classic Outback favorite without the steakhouse seasonings they use, such as onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, and more. These really help to achieve that signature steakhouse flair.
For the ultimate final touch, serve your mac and cheese in mini cast-iron skillets just like you’d expect from a night out at Outback Steakhouse.
Ingredients at-a-Glance
This recipe requires just a few main ingredients, along with some seasonings and breadcrumbs, to be on your table in under an hour.
- Pasta (Cavatappi is my favorite and the real copycat shape!)
- Cheddar cheese
- Velveeta cheese
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Seasonings: paprika, nutmeg, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe Card
Ingredients
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp paprika
Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups cavatappi pasta, uncooked
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Make Toasted Breadcrumbs:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter. Once it begins to bubble and become foamy, add the breadcrumbs and seasonings and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
Make Macaroni:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking, until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the seasonings and whisk.
- Add diced Velveeta cheese and stir until melted.
- Mix macaroni into the sauce until well combined. Place into an oven-safe dish. Top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Broil on high for about 3-5 minutes or just until cheese is melted and golden. Watch closely!
- Serve and enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow along with the instructions below to make a perfect mac and cheese every time!
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Read the recipe through, then measure and prepare all ingredients. Put seasonings together in small bowls (one for the breadcrumbs and one for the mac and cheese sauce), and shred and dice the cheeses. Gather your equipment.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water, cook the 2 cups of cavatappi pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil or butter to keep the noodles from sticking together, and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Once it is nice and hot, add the 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and the seasonings (1/8 tsp of each: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika). Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and toasted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet (preferably a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet), melt the 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp of flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the seasonings (1/2 tsp each: salt, paprika, mustard powder, and 1/4 tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg, black pepper). Stir to evenly combine.
Add the 10 oz of diced Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Macaroni
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine everything.
Step 6: Bake It
Set the oven to broil. If using an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the macaroni, then the breadcrumb topping. Otherwise, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, then top with the cheese and breadcrumbs.
Place the dish in the oven and broil for about 3-5 minutes until the cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs are melted and golden.
Watch carefully at this step to avoid burning your mac and cheese, as it can broil very quickly!
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve the mac and cheese and enjoy!
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
One of the best things about mac and cheese is that there are seemingly unlimited variations. While the classic creamy cheese sauce and buttery breadcrumb topping are perfect on their own, you can completely transform this dish with a few simple add-ins and make this the perfect mac and cheese.
Lobster Mac
If you’ve ever ordered lobster mac and cheese at a restaurant, you know how luxurious it feels to dive into that dish. Recreating it at home couldn’t be simpler, and it will elevate this dish, making it a perfect date-night or holiday meal, and making the night feel extra fancy.
You’ll need 1 to 1 1/2 cups of roughly chopped cooked lobster meat. Fold the lobster meat into the cheese sauce along with the pasta noodles. Then top it with the cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil as instructed in the recipe card above.
Bacon Lovers
Crispy bacon not only adds a delicious smoky flavor to the meal, but also a nice salty crunch. Cook 6-8 strips of bacon to your desired doneness, then roughly chop or crumble them up. Stir them into the mac and cheese along with the pasta and save a little to sprinkle on top with the breadcrumbs.
Change Up the Cheese
Aside from the seasonings, another way to change up the flavors of a classic mac and cheese is by swapping out the cheese. Try blending a few different kinds like sharp cheddar and Gruyere or white cheddar and smoked Gouda.
However you choose to change up your cheeses, I always recommend shredding your own cheese. Buy cheese in blocks and grate it at home. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives that prevent it from melting, which can make your cheese sauce grainy.
Make it Spicy
If you like a bit of heat in your food, there are a few easy ways to kick this dish up a notch. Add diced jalapeños into the mix, or stir some hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. A small amount of heat can really brighten the whole dish without overpowering it.
Protein & Veggie Boost
If you want to add some extra protein and nutrients to this dish, try some of these additions:
- Chopped grilled chicken
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Blanched baby spinach and/or kale
The bright, fresh flavors of veggies do wonders at balancing out the extra-creamy sauce.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
Comfort food should be for everyone, and with a few smart swaps, you can make this mac and cheese friendly for common dietary needs.
Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free pasta
- Replace the flour used in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free all-purpose flour, like this King Arthur version
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
Dairy-Free:
There are a few swaps to make this dish dairy-free, including changing up the cheese. The results won’t be quite as similar to the Outback copycat, but you will still end up with a delicious dairy-free mac and cheese!
- Swap the butter for a plant-based butter
- Use vegan/dairy-free heavy cream
- Replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives
Tip: Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the cheese sauce for some extra cheesy flavor!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Mac and cheese is comfort food, but it’s also practical food. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.
Make It Ahead
You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the mac and cheese, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, and top with the cheddar cheese. Keep the breadcrumbs separate and add them just before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or set the oven to broil and broil for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat it, you can bake it in the oven to maintain a similar texture, although this will take longer. You can also reheat it on a skillet or in the microwave. For either option, I would add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help the cheese sauce loosen up a bit and regain its creaminess as it reheats.
Common Mistakes
Even simple recipes can go wrong at times. Avoid these few common mistakes and your mac and cheese will taste just like the restaurants’ every time.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook it just to al dente
- High heat during cheese melting can cause your cheese sauce to separate and turn grainy. Use medium-low heat, add the cheese gradually, and stir until melted and combined.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: The additives can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Shred your own cheese for the silkiest sauce.
- Not seasoning enough: Cheese is delicious, but it isn’t enough to bring out all the dish’s amazing flavors. Seasoning makes the flavors pop! Taste your sauce before adding the pasta, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Mac & Cheese FAQs
Mac and cheese is such a simple dish, but it can become quite complex and elevated if you want it to. For that, there are always a few questions to be answered, most of which you’ll find here. For more questions you may have, drop them in the comments below.
What Pasta Works Best?
Cavatappi pasta is the best pasta for this Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe, because it’s how you’ll find the dish served to you right in the restaurant. Plus, cavatappi is perfect for creamy, cheesy dishes, as its corkscrew shape holds the sauce in all its curves and ridges.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many pasta shapes and what sets them all apart? For a fun video showing off a handful of the hundreds of types of pasta there are, and the best way to use each one, check out the video below.
Why Is My Sauce Grainy?
A sauce can easily turn grainy if the heat is too high, cheese is added too quickly, or if you use pre-shredded cheese. To avoid a grainy sauce, use medium to medium-low heat, and add the cheese in handfuls, stirring and allowing it to melt into the sauce before adding the next handful.
As well, buy cheese in blocks and shred it at home. The additives in pre-shredded cheese prevent it from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy sauce.
Can I Make It Without Baking?
Yes! If you prefer a stovetop mac and cheese, simply stop after combining the pasta with the sauce. It will be extra creamy and slightly looser. For this version, I suggest adding the cheddar cheese to the recipe at the same time as the Velveeta to ensure that it melts into the sauce. Serve each portion of mac and cheese with a sprinkle of the toasted breadcrumbs.
Can I Skip The Breadcrumb Topping?
You can skip the breadcrumb topping, but it adds a lovely texture contrast to the dish. It adds a bit of crunch to balance the super-creamy sauce and tender pasta. Plus, the seasonings used in the breadcrumbs add a nice pop of flavor to the dish. I always suggest using it, but if you don’t want to or don’t have the ingredients, it can be left out.
The Mac & Cheese for Everyone
There’s a reason mac and cheese never goes out of style. It’s nostalgic and comforting, and it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table no matter their age. And when you give it that steakhouse-style upgrade, it becomes extra special.
Now you don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy that rich, creamy mac and cheese that you love. You can recreate it anytime the craving hits. It’s rich and filling enough to enjoy on its own as a cozy weeknight dinner, or as a side dish alongside grilled steak or pulled pork sandwiches. But be warned, it will steal the show, even as a side dish.
This is an incredibly flexible recipe that you can make ahead of time when you know the week will be busy or adapt it to your needs by making it gluten-free or loading it up with veggies. Adapting it to make it your own is when cooking becomes fun. Recreating restaurant classics at home isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s also fun and often healthier, too! So be sure to save this recipe so that the next time that comfort food craving hits, you’ve got this mac and cheese recipe ready to go.
More Outback Copycat Recipes
If you loved making this steakhouse-style mac and cheese, you might also enjoy exploring more copycat favorites.
- Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
- Outback Steakhouse Steak Seasoning Recipe
- Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Keep the steakhouse comfort going with another Outback-inspired favorite you can make right at home.
Share Your Thoughts!
Did you make this Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese copycat recipe at home? Who did you enjoy it with? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
