Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe

Olive Garden is renowned for its cozy, Italian-American dining experience, complete with an array of pasta dishes that bring families together. Among these, the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe stands out as a comforting favorite. 

This dish is not just any macaroni and cheese; it’s a creamy, cheesy delight that perfectly captures the essence of home-cooked indulgence combined with restaurant flair. 

As we delve into the secrets to crafting this beloved dish at home, you’ll see just how easy it is to recreate the comforting taste of Olive Garden’s mac and cheese, ensuring a delectable and satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

Personal Experience

I still remember my first spoonful of Olive Garden’s Mac and Cheese; it was love at first bite! The creamy, rich flavor and the perfectly cooked pasta were unlike any other mac and cheese I had tasted before. 

Recreating this recipe at home has allowed me to relive that delightful experience anytime I crave it.

Equipment List

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients List

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe – Step by Step Preparation

Step 1:

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Step 3:

Add Dairy: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 4:

Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 5:

Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 6:

Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Tips for Success

1. Cheese Choice: Use high-quality cheese as it melts better and enhances flavor.
2. Stir Constantly: Keep stirring the sauce while cooking to avoid any lumps and ensure smoothness.
3. Pasta Texture: Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
4. Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, but remember the cheeses already contain salt.
5. Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier top, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2 minutes.

Variations

• Bacon Lover: Add crisp, crumbled bacon on top before baking for a smoky flavor.
• Extra Creamy: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone for added richness.
• Veggie Delight: Stir in some spinach or broccoli for a nutrition boost.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to accommodate dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Mac and Cheese recipe not only satisfies those cheesy cravings but also brings a piece of the iconic restaurant into your home. 

It’s perfect for a family dinner or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a new favorite!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? 

Absolutely! To make Olive Garden Mac and Cheese gluten-free, simply substitute the regular elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for making the roux.

How should I store leftovers of Olive Garden Mac and Cheese? 

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or in an oven until heated through.

Can the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe be frozen? 

Yes, this mac and cheese can be frozen. To do so, let it cool completely after cooking and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

What side dishes pair well with Olive Garden Mac and Cheese? 

This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. 

For a more indulgent approach, garlic bread or a meaty dish like grilled chicken or meatballs complements it well.

Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chef Sophy

Among these, the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe stands out as a comforting favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

 

• Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Add Dairy: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
• Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Notes

1. Cheese Choice: Use high-quality cheese as it melts better and enhances flavor.
2. Stir Constantly: Keep stirring the sauce while cooking to avoid any lumps and ensure smoothness.
3. Pasta Texture: Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
4. Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, but remember the cheeses already contain salt.
5. Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier top, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2 minutes.

Keyword Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe