Introduction
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of the most comforting side dishes I’ve ever recreated in my kitchen.
» I’ll be honest—every time I visit Texas Roadhouse, I secretly look forward to the sides more than the steak! And their creamy mac and cheese? Absolute comfort-food heaven.
» And I still remember last December… a chilly evening, warm lights, laughter, and a big bowl of creamy mac and cheese on our table. That cozy moment inspired me to recreate this Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe 2026 at home.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite homemade copycat recipe that tastes just like the restaurant classic. Rich cheddar sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and that silky texture we all crave.
So, let’s recreate this dish!
👉 What Makes Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese So Special?
This Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe 2026 looks simple, but the magic is in the details.
✔ Smooth, creamy cheddar sauce
✔ Silky texture without lumps
✔ Perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio
✔ Made fresh and served hot
✔ Mild flavor loved by kids and adults
As a chef, I always say: good mac and cheese is about balance, not just cheese.
👉 Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
» Ready in minutes – Perfect for a quick meal.
» Family-friendly taste – Kids and adults both love it.
» Budget-friendly – Simple pantry ingredients.
» Customizable – Add chicken, bacon, veggies, or spices.
» Chef-tested – I’ve made this dozens of times for parties and friends!
👉 Kitchen Tool Required For Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
» Whisk
» Serving bowl
» Cheese grater
» Medium saucepan
» Colander or strainer
» Wooden spoon or spatula
» Measuring cups & spoons
» Large pot for boiling pasta
Optional: Baking dish if making baked mac and cheese.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here are the exact ingredient amounts I use in my chef’s kitchen to recreate the creamy taste like Texas Roadhouse!
👉 Key Ingredients List
♥ Elbow Macaroni – 2 cups (about 200–220 g)
♥ Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups
♥ American Cheese Slices – 4 slices (about 80 g)
♥ Whole Milk – 2 cups (480 ml)
♥ Heavy Cream – ½ cup (120 ml)
♥ Butter – 3 tablespoons
♥ All-Purpose Flour – 2 tablespoons
♥ Salt – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
♥ Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
♥ Paprika or Garlic Powder (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
👉 Chef Tips for Measuring
» Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
» Add a splash of milk later if the sauce gets too thick.
» Don’t reduce milk too much—the sauce thickens after resting.
These simple ingredients create that creamy, comforting mac and cheese everyone loves!
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» First Watch Purple Haze Drink
» Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken
Step-by-Step Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here’s my chef-style method to make creamy, restaurant-quality mac and cheese like the one from Texas Roadhouse. Follow slowly, don’t rush, and you’ll get perfect results!
🍽️ Servings: 4–5 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: Around $8–$10
👉 Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right
♥ Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (slightly firm).
♥ Drain and set aside without rinsing.
👉 Chef Tip:
Slightly firm pasta absorbs sauce better and doesn’t become mushy later.
👉 Step 2: Make a Smooth Roux Base
♥ In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat.
♥ Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty.
♥ Don’t brown it too much. Light roux keeps the sauce creamy and white.
👉 Step 3: Slowly Add Milk & Cream
♥ Pour milk and heavy cream little by little while whisking.
♥ Cook until you get a thick sauce paste.
♥ Add warm milk, not cold. This prevents lumps and gives a silky texture.
✔ Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.
👉 Step 4: Melt the Cheese Gently
♥ Lower the heat completely.
♥ Add shredded cheddar and American cheese slowly, stirring until smooth.
👉 Chef Tip:
Never add cheese on high heat—it makes the sauce grainy and oily.
👉 Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
♥ Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
♥ Mix gently and cook for 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs flavor.
♥ If the sauce feels thick, add 2–3 tbsp milk to loosen it.
👉 Step 6: Rest & Serve Warm & Enjoy!
♥ Turn off the heat and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes.
♥ Serve and enjoy with your favorite topping like extra cheese or ketchup.
♥ Resting helps the sauce thicken naturally and taste richer.
❤️ Final Chef Advice
Taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper. Cooking mac and cheese is simple—but patience makes it amazing. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boxed mac again!
Best Cheese for Authentic Texas Roadhouse Flavor
⭐ Best Cheese Choices
» Colby Jack – Mild and creamy
» American Cheese – Gives a silky texture
» Mozzarella (small amount) – Adds stretch
» Sharp Cheddar – Main flavor, rich and cheesy
» Gouda (optional) – Adds depth and a smoky touch
👉 Chef tip:
Use 70% cheddar + 30% American cheese for the closest restaurant flavor.
Visual Instruction: Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredient Substitutes For Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | Penne or shells | Similar texture |
| Sharp cheddar | Mild cheddar or Colby | Slightly softer flavor |
| American cheese | Cream cheese | Adds creaminess |
| Heavy cream | Half & half | Lighter sauce |
| Whole milk | Low-fat milk | Less rich but works |
| Butter | Margarine | Flavor slightly different |
| Flour | Cornstarch slurry | Gluten-free option |
👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps
» Whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta
» Low-fat cheese blends
» Skim milk instead of cream
» Use olive oil instead of butter
» Reduce cheese quantity slightly
» Add steamed broccoli or spinach
You’ll still get great taste with fewer calories!
👉 Recipe Variations You Can Try
» Bacon Mac and Cheese – Add crispy bacon
» Spicy Mac and Cheese – Add jalapeños
» Garlic Mac and Cheese – Add roasted garlic
» Chicken Mac and Cheese – Mix grilled chicken
» Veggie Mac and Cheese – Add peas, carrots, broccoli
» Triple Cheese Version – Cheddar + Mozzarella + Gouda
Each version gives a new twist to the classic.
👉 Delicious Variations and Add-Ons
Want to make it your own? Try these ideas.
» Bacon bits for smoky flavor
» Grilled chicken pieces
» Jalapeños for spice
» Mozzarella for stretch
» Broccoli for veggie twist
» Breadcrumb topping for crunch
Kids love it with nuggets, adults love it with steak!
Tips For the Perfect Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
These tips make a huge difference.
♥ Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth sauce
♥ Don’t overcook pasta
♥ Add cheese on low heat only
♥ Stir constantly while making the roux
♥ Use American cheese for signature creaminess
♥ Add a little milk if the sauce thickens too much
♥ Add a splash of milk while reheating
♥ Taste before serving and adjust salt
My chef secret:
add ½ tsp butter & paprika at the end for shine and richness.
👉 Garnish & Topping Tips
» Fresh parsley
» Chopped chives
» Paprika sprinkle
» Black pepper on top
» Extra melted cheese drizzle
» Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
A little garnish makes it look restaurant-style!
👉 Serving & Presentation Tips
» Serve in warm white bowls
» Sprinkle cheese and herbs on top
» Add a small butter cube for shine
» Serve with garlic bread on the side
» Use a wooden board for a rustic look
As a chef, I always say—we eat with our eyes first!
👉 Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
Leftovers taste great too!
»Keep it in an airtight box up to 3 days
» Add milk while reheating
» Heat slowly on the stovetop
» Freeze up to 1 month
» Stir while reheating
Chef trick:
add butter when reheating for a fresh taste.
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
This dish pairs beautifully with:
» BBQ ribs
» Grilled steak
» Garlic bread
» Green salad
» Sweet iced tea
» Roasted vegetables
» Fried chicken tenders
Perfect for dinner nights and celebrations.
Alternate Recipes to the Texas Roadhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe
If you love this Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe 2026, try these next:
» Three Cheese Pasta Bake
» Alfredo Mac and Cheese
» Baked Southern Mac and Cheese
» Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
» Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
» Creamy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese
» Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket
» Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These recipes bring similar comfort with new flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Making Mac & Cheese
» Overcooking pasta → turns mushy
» Skipping roux → thin sauce
» Not stirring → lumps form
» Too much cheese → oily texture
» Using pre-shredded cheese → grainy sauce
» Adding cheese on high heat → sauce separates
» Reheating without milk → dry mac and cheese
Avoid these mistakes to get that creamy restaurant-style taste like Texas Roadhouse.
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Values are approximate and depend on the ingredients used.
Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil macaroni in water until al dente. Drain and keep aside.
- Now, create a smooth roux, melt butter add flour in a pan, & whisk gently.
- Slowly add milk and cream while stirring until thick.
- Add cheeses, stir until you get the smooth.
- Mix pasta into sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with extra cheese on top.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
- Add milk while reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Don’t cook pasta too soft.
- Add bacon, chicken, or jalapeños for variation.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Absolutely! After mixing pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake until golden. It adds a crispy top while keeping the inside creamy.
Why is my mac and cheese grainy?
Grainy mac and cheese usually happens when cheese is added on high heat or pre-shredded cheese is used. Always melt cheese slowly on low heat and shred it fresh for a smooth, velvety sauce.
Which pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is classic because it holds sauce well, but shells, penne, or cavatappi also work nicely. Choose pasta shapes with curves so the creamy cheese sauce sticks to every bite.
Can I make a healthier version of this recipe?
Yes, use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and less cheese. You can also add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition while keeping the creamy comfort-food taste.
What is the secret to the best mac and cheese?
The secret is balance—freshly shredded cheese, a slow-cooked roux, and low heat when melting cheese. Using a mix of cheddar and American cheese gives that silky texture, while perfectly cooked pasta keeps every bite creamy and delicious.
What cheese tastes closest to the restaurant version?
A mix of sharp cheddar and American cheese gives the closest flavor and texture. Cheddar adds flavor, while American cheese makes the sauce silky and smooth, like the restaurant-style.
My Final Conclusion
Making this Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe 2026, at home is easier than you think—and honestly, just as delicious! Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s the perfect side dish for family dinners or weekend cravings.
» As a chef, I believe simple recipes bring the biggest smiles. Try it tonight, customize it your way, and don’t forget to share it with friends. Homemade comfort food always tastes better when shared! ❤️
Want more copycat recipes? Bookmark this page, or you can also try some of my favourite homemade recipes on my blog and start cooking like your favorite restaurant chef today!
Now, if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this recipe, then write to me in the comment section below! I’d love to hear from you!
Happy cooking!
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