Mac and cheese is comfort food at its best. The Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe is rich, creamy, and baked until bubbly. It’s a dish kids and adults both reach for.
This recipe works for weeknight dinners or holidays. The mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and a smooth cream sauce makes it extra special. It’s easy, filling, and always a hit.
If you’ve tried the Olive Garden Alfredo Dip Recipe or the homestyle Kellie Rasberry Mac and Cheese, you’ll see the same cozy flavors here. Once you make it, you’ll want it in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Mac and Cheese
This Olive Garden Mac and Cheese recipe is pure comfort in a dish. The sauce is creamy and smooth, made with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella that melts into every bite. The pasta is tender, and when you pull it from the oven, the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole table quiet for a moment while everyone takes that first bite.
Another reason we love it is how versatile it is. It works as a weeknight dinner, a holiday side, or even the star of a birthday meal. Kids dig right in without a fuss, and adults always go back for seconds.
And the best part? Leftovers. This mac and cheese reheats beautifully, staying creamy and flavorful the next day. It’s one of those recipes that feels special every single time you make it.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup pasta water, saved
- Salt for boiling water
Cheese sauce:
- 6 cups shredded medium cheddar
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 6 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (from above)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta and sauce
- 9×13 casserole dish
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
How To Make Olive Garden Mac and Cheese
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Mac and Cheese at home
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to prevent sticking.
2. Make the roux: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat until foamy. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Build the sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Season with paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Melt the cheese: Stir in 3 cups cheddar and 3 cups mozzarella until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated and creamy.
6. Assemble the casserole: Butter a 9×13 casserole dish. Spread the mac and cheese evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
7. Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden topping, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
8. Serve hot: Let it rest briefly, then enjoy that irresistible cheese pull!
How to Store Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm and bubbly, or microwave individual portions for quick serving. Add a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Mac and Cheese
1. With Garlic Bread
We almost always serve mac and cheese with garlic bread. The crisp edges soak up the cheese sauce, and it makes the meal feel complete.
2. Alongside Roasted Chicken
On busy nights, I’ll roast a simple chicken and pair it with this mac and cheese. The mix of juicy chicken and cheesy pasta never fails.
3. With a Fresh Green Salad
To balance the richness, we like a simple salad with lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. It cuts through the cheese and keeps the meal light.
4. Topped with Crispy Bacon
If you want to dress it up, crumble crispy bacon over the top. We’ve tried it a few times, and it adds just the right smoky crunch.
5. Next to BBQ Ribs
At summer cookouts, we’ll bring this mac and cheese as a side to ribs. The sweet, smoky barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
6. With Grilled Vegetables
When we’re aiming for balance, we add grilled zucchini, peppers, or asparagus on the side. The charred flavor works well with the cheese.
7. As a Holiday Side Dish
This casserole shows up on our holiday table almost every year. It fits right in with turkey, ham, stuffing, and all the classics.
8. Topped with Hot Sauce
We sometimes drizzle hot sauce over our portions. It gives the cheese a little kick, and it’s addictive if you like spice.
9. With Meatballs
One night we served this dish next to Italian-style meatballs in marinara. The combo was hearty and felt like comfort food squared.
10. Served in Smaller Cups for Parties
For birthdays, we’ve scooped mac and cheese into small bowls or cups. Guests love grabbing a portion that’s already ready to eat-no fuss, no mess.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this Olive Garden Mac and Cheese for dinner, and my kids could not stop smiling. The cheese was so gooey, and the top was golden. We all ate together, and it felt cozy and happy. I can’t wait to make it again!
Tips for the Recipe
1. Stir pasta when it cooks so it won’t stick.
2. Save pasta water. It makes the sauce smooth.
3. Use fresh cheese for the best melt.
4. Taste the sauce before baking. Add more salt if needed.
5. Butter the dish well so nothing sticks.
6. Broil at the end for a crispy top.
FAQs on Olive Garden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe.
1. What cheeses work best?
We love using sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey pull. The mix makes the sauce rich and smooth.
2. Why do you save pasta water?
We always set aside half a cup. The starch in the water makes the sauce cling to the pasta and keeps it silky.
3. Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk?
Yes. We’ve tried both. Whole milk makes it richer, but 2% still gives you a creamy sauce.
4. How do I get a golden, crispy top?
We top it with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it so the cheese browns, not burns.
5. Can I make this ahead and bake later?
Yes. We’ve mixed the pasta and sauce, stored it in the dish, and baked it later. It works well, just bake until hot and bubbly.
6. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes. We’ve frozen portions in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
7. How should I reheat leftovers?
We reheat in the oven at 325°F. Adding a splash of milk keeps it creamy. The oven also keeps the top crispy.
8. Is Olive Garden mac and cheese healthy?
It’s rich and filling. We usually treat it as comfort food, not an everyday meal. Pairing it with a salad makes a nice balance.
9. What’s the trick to avoid a grainy or oily sauce?
We always shred our own cheese and melt it slowly. Pre-shredded cheese or high heat can make the sauce split.
10. Can I swap the pasta shape?
Yes. Elbows are classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne all work great. We pick shapes that hold lots of sauce.
This Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe is a true keeper-creamy, gooey, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, this casserole will win hearts every time. Don’t forget to explore other favorites like the Olive Garden Alfredo Dip Recipe or the Kellie Rasberry Mac and Cheese for even more inspiration.
Give this dish a try, and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen. I promise-it’ll be love at first bite!
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