Outback Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

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Outback Mac and Cheese is one of those delicious, ooey, gooey sides that leaves you thinking, I wish I knew how to make that. And now you can. On Outback Steakhouse’s menu it’s also referred to as Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo And Cheese. The flavor is rich, and of course cheesy, but also has a steakhouse flair which is accomplished through steakhouse seasonings.

outback mac and cheese
outback mac and cheese

Shopping List

Elbow Macaroni Noodles
Velveeta Cheese
Heavy Cream
Steakhouse Seasonings: pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, turmeric and salt
Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Parsley

Equipment

Saucepan
Mixing Bowl

Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo And Cheese

Have you ever been to Outback Steakhouse and ordered their Mac and Cheese? It is on their list of sides and it’s also on the kids’ menu. But let me tell you, Outback Mac and Cheese is not just for kids. And neither is any mac and cheese for that matter. It is a comfort food and many people young and old have grown to love it.  

Why Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo And Cheese is So Good

There are two main reasons that Outback mac and cheese is so good. The first is because it uses heavy cream. Heavy cream makes it taste rich. If you don’t have or you don’t want to use heavy cream, you can use milk or half and half as a substitute. It’s not going to affect the flavor. It will just alter the richness aspect.

The second item that makes Outback mac and cheese so good is the steakhouse seasonings. Plain old mac and cheese recipes use just plain old macaroni noodles and cheese. But this recipe steps it up. The steakhouse seasonings give it that steakhouse flavor that is not overpowering, but kicks it up a notch to make you want to come back for more.

Let’s Get Cooking –  Easy Macaroni and Cheese

We think you’ll like this recipe because it’s quite straightforward and simple. If you’ve made mac and cheese before, even the instant packets that you can buy in boxes at the grocery store, then you’re already quite familiar with the process.

To make this Outback version of Mac and Cheese, you’ll cook the noodles, add the cheese and heavy cream, then add the steakhouse seasonings. And that’s it. You’re ready to serve it and enjoy.

outback mac and cheese

What To Serve With Mac A Roo

There are a variety of things that can be served with Outback Mac and Cheese. And mac and cheese can be served as a side or as the main event. Many times for lunch, we’ll eat macaroni and cheese as the main dish, and just enjoy a piece of fruit or a vegetable with it. Or if we’re having it for dinner, it is sometimes served as a side to the main dish. Here are some things that pair well with Outback Mac and Cheese:

Main Dishes to Serve With Outback Mac and Cheese as a Side:

Hellmann’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Beef Stew
French Onion Soup
Ultimate Primavera Stuffed Chicken
Harvest Chicken Casserole
Chicken Basket Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Big Steak Salad

Side Dishes to Serve With Outback Mac and Cheese as a Main Dish:

Strawberry Fields Salad Culvers
Azteca Taco Salad
Canned Tuna Fish Tacos
Corn Dogs
Van Camp’s Pork and Beans

Do You Love Outback Steakhouse? Make Your Favorites at Home

If you love Outback Steakhouse, you’ll likely enjoy experimenting with making some of their menu items at home. Outback broccoli and cheese is a favorite at our house. My kids don’t really care for broccoli in general, but when I make this recipe, they eat it like candy. What other Outback recipes are a favorite?

More Cheesy Side Dish Recipes

And if you like cheese, these dishes will likely also be ones that you’ll enjoy.
Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta
Outback Broccoli And Cheese Recipe

Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

The difference with Steakhouse Mac and Cheese as compared with regular mac and cheese is the seasoning blend. Steakhouse Mac and Cheese uses a steakhouse seasoning blend, like what is used on the steaks and meats that are served at the steakhouse. So, it naturally pairs and flows well with meats and grilled items.

What Goes Well With This Recipe?

Meats naturally go well with this dish. Grilled meats such as beef steaks, chicken, and ribs that come to mind when you think of steakhouse food are tops.

Green salads such as a regular side salad, vegetable loaded salad, or even steak or chicken salads also pair well with this delicious dish.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

The following ingredients are needed for this recipe:
Elbow Macaroni Noodles
Velveeta Cheese
Heavy Cream
Steakhouse Seasonings such as pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, turmeric and salt
Seasoned Breadcrumbs for garnish
Parsley for garnish

steakhouse seasonings

What Makes Outback Mac and Cheese Unique?

The main ingredients that make this dish unique are the steakhouse seasonings. Adding pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutmeg, turmeric and salt) along with the Velveeta cheese and heavy cream, give this recipe a unique flavor combination that is delicious.

How Can You Use Leftover Steakhouse Seasoning?

If you’ve mixed up the steakhouse seasoning and you have leftovers, there are so many things it can be used for. Try using it to season French fries, on your onion rings, sprinkle it on your steak, or use it to season chicken, for example. The sky’s the limit and if there’s food that you like a savory seasoning added to, give this blend a try.

Why Use Velveeta Cheese in Mac and Cheese?

You might be wondering why this recipe calls for Velveeta cheese instead of regular trusty shredded cheddar cheese. The two main reasons are flavor and stabilizing properties. The flavor of Velveeta has a tendency to be a bit milder and a bit creamier. It helps to achieve the richness that we’re going for.

Using Velveeta also has stabilizing properties. Because of its makeup, it allows the outcome to be somewhat thicker than it would be if we just used a regular shredded cheddar.

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, You Might Also Like:

Homemade Banquet Pot Pie
Tasty Banana Pudding Brownies
Better Than Patti LaBelle Banana Pudding Recipe 
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
How To Tell if Meatloaf is Done 

How to Store Outback Mac and Cheese

Outback Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Outback Mac and Cheese?

Outback Mac and Cheese tastes and performs its best when it is fresh. However, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place in an airtight container or zipped bag.  

How to Reheat Outback Mac and Cheese

Outback Mac and Cheese can be reheated in the microwave for 2 minutes, in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, or covered in a 350F degree oven for 10 minutes.  

outback mac and cheese

How To Make Outback Mac and Cheese

Outback Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that has the delicious steakhouse flavored seasoning. It is simple and straightforward to make. Here are the directions:

Ingredients

2 cups Elbow Macaroni Noodles
8 oz Velveeta Cheese
½ cup Heavy Cream
Steakhouse Seasonings:
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp brown sugar
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
Seasoned Breadcrumbs for garnish
Parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Add 4 cups of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add noodles and stir regularly until they reach al dente. Drain water and set noodles aside. 

2. In a medium saucepan, cube Velveeta into small chunks so that it melts easily. Stir over medium low heat and combine with heavy cream until fully melted. Add steakhouse seasonings and mix thoroughly.   

3. Serve warm with seasoned breadcrumbs and parsley as a garnish. Enjoy!

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Copycat Outback Mac & Cheese

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Outback Mac and Cheese Copycat recipe is a recipe I came up with to replicate the real thing.

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Author
Sarah
Sarah is known for her extra fancy yeast breads, melt in your mouth pies, and everything salads. She has won awards as a home cook, and is passionate about helping others feel smarter in the kitchen. Sarah is the cooking genius of the sister duo.

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