If you love mac and cheese, the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for you.
This dish is rich and cheesy, just like the one from the restaurant, and you can make it at home. The creamy cheese sauce and golden crust make this dish a favorite.
It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t take too long. Making it yourself means no waiting in line at the restaurant, and you can add your favorite ingredients.
This Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal just for you.
Let’s start! I first tasted the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe at a family dinner. The creamy, cheesy flavor was amazing!
I knew I wanted to make it myself. Now, I’m sharing the recipe with you.
Things You’ll Need
- A big pot
- A colander (to drain pasta)
- A whisk
- A medium-sized saucepan
- A baking dish (9×13 inch)
- A spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until it’s soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will cook more in the oven.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- A little paprika can add a smoky taste.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
What Goes Well with Olive Garden Mac and Cheese
1. Garlic Bread:
It’s buttery and crispy, and goes perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese.
2. Caesar Salad:
The crunchy salad and tangy dressing balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
3. Roasted Broccoli:
The crispy edges of roasted broccoli are a great match with the cheesy pasta.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy and cheesy, making it the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to make and loved by everyone.
Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
More Amazing Recipes
- Tempura Fried Cheesecake Recipe
- Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe
- Brookville Hotel Fried Chicken Recipe
- Dark Side Of The Moon Cake Recipe
Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- A big pot
- A colander (to drain pasta)
- A whisk
- A medium-sized saucepan
- A baking dish (9×13 inch)
- A spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until it’s soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will cook more in the oven.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- A little paprika can add a smoky taste.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
