Olive Garden Mac And Cheese
This Olive Garden-inspired mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. A rich, creamy cheese sauce is combined with tender pasta, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, this mac and cheese can be served as a side dish, main course, or a family favorite at gatherings. The optional breadcrumb topping gives it an extra crispy finish, adding a delightful contrast to the smooth, cheesy goodness.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta (6-8 quarts)
- 1 large saucepan for making the cheese sauce (3-4 quarts)
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Baking dish (optional, for crispy topping)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese grater (for freshly grated cheese)
Ingredients
- Pasta – 2 cups cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- Flour – 4 tablespoons
- Whole Milk – 2 ½ cups
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups grated
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup grated
- Romano Cheese – ½ cup grated
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon adjust to taste
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup optional, for topping
- Additional Cheese for topping – ½ cup (optional, for baking)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese
- Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Optional Baking (for crispy top):
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and additional cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or main course!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or Gruyère can be great additions to this dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a kick.