Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (2024)

This Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Inspired by one of my favorite dishes at The Cheesecake Factory, this recipe is loaded with 4 different types of cheese mixed with butter, half and half and spices.

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (1)

Contents hide

1 Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese

2 How Hard Is It To Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese?

3 What Ingredients Will I Need For Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese?

4 How Long Will Mac and Cheese Stay Good In The Fridge?

5 Other Variations

6 Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe

6.1 Ingredients 1x2x3x

6.2 Instructions

6.3 Notes

6.4 Nutrition

Full disclosure: I met my husband at the Cheesecake Factory about 20 years ago. We were both servers and we worked there for a couple of years. In all honesty, I loved my time working there. And, it’s where I fell in love! So, The Cheesecake Factory will always hold a special place in my heart.

Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese

If you’ve ever been to The Cheesecake Factory, one thing that will be immediately evident is how extensive their menu is. The have A LOT more than just Cheesecakes there! One of their most popular dishes is their Macaroni and Cheese. Hidden in their “side dishes” portion of the menu, this actually one of the tastiest things on there!

If you’ve been to this website a lot, you know that Bubba Pie is ALL ABOUT the side dishes. They are often some of our favorite things to make (and eat!). We love these Smashed Brussels Sprouts with garlic, cheese and just a pinch of heat. And this Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion, from Easter Brunch to a casual summer cookout. So, it was only a matter of time til we would share a copycat recipe inspired by one of our favorite side dishes of all time!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (2)

How Hard Is It To Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese?

I’ve tried several different recipes to make my own Mac and Cheese. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. It’s not a simple as just making some “Macaroni” and putting some “Cheese” into it. In order to really get that creamy, gooey, cheesy kick that we all crave, there are a couple of tips and secrets.

    • Use several different kinds of cheese-Each different cheese has it’s own taste and consistency that will help give your Mac & Cheese dish that symphony of flavor. In fact, some people swear by using Velveeta for Mac and Cheese (or any processed cheese). We did end up trying this. And it was awesome!
    • Use lots of dairy-We use half and half for this recipe, but if you really want to go big and aren’t worried about your waistline, go for heavy cream!
    • Seasonings, seasonings and seasonings-Some of the most famous chefs have said that the difference between a mediocre dish and an awesome dish could be as simple as adding a little salt and pepper. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper and some of the other fun seasonings that we put into this recipe!
    • ALWAYS top with breadcrumbs-while I love different flavor combinations (sweet and savory, sweet and spicy, etc…) I also love “texture” combinations. Having a nice crispy crust on top of our creamy and tender Mac & Cheese really puts this dish over the top!
    • If you are looking for a great saucepan for this recipe, we love to use this one! Or, check out the great deal on this whole set!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (3)

What Ingredients Will I Need For Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese?

  • elbow macaroni, prepared
  • shredded gouda cheese
  • shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • shredded cheddar jack cheese
  • shredded Velveeta cheese
  • butter
  • flour
  • half and half
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • paprika
  • bread crumbs

How Long Will Mac and Cheese Stay Good In The Fridge?

Your Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese recipe should stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
We love to bake in our 9X13 Le Creuset Casserole Dish because it comes with a lid! You can just keep your leftovers right in your casserole dish in the fridge! Or, if you are looking for something a little less expensive, this one works great too!

If you really want to extend it’s life, you can freeze it. You can even separate it into different portions and simply thaw it out and heat it up as needed! We love to use these gallon sized freezer bags.

Other Variations

Although these tweaks will certainly take this recipe away from the dish that inspired it, there are always tons of fun things you can do with Mac and Cheese! For instance, you could get some nice and crispy bacon to put in with the cheese. Or you could sub one of the cheeses out for Pepper Jack cheese to give it a little extra kick!

Macaroni and Cheese is one of those CLASSIC comfort foods and I’m glad we finally got around to putting a recipe up here on Bubba Pie. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments. Enjoy!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (4)

Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe

Course Side Dish

Servings 6 people

This Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Inspired by one of my favorite dishes at The Cheesecake Factory, this recipe is loaded with 4 different types of cheese mixed with butter, half and half and spices.

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 16 ounce package elbow macaroni prepared
  • ½ cup shredded gouda cheese
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
  • 1 stick butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 ½ cups half and half
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cups breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by greasing with nonstick cooking spray.

  • Combine all the cheeses in a large bowl. Set aside.

  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook until bubbly and browned, stirring occasionally.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (6)

  • Pour in the half and half and reduce heat. Simmer until sauce begins to thicken, stirring constantly.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (7)

  • Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (8)

  • Stir in ¾ of the cheese mixture until well combined and melted. Pour cheese sauce over the top of the prepared macaroni noodles.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (9)

  • Spread the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (10)

  • Top with remaining cheese.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (11)

  • Spread the breadcrumb and butter mixture over the top of the casserole.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (12)

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden brown.

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (13)

Notes

Although these tweaks will certainly take this recipe away from the dish that inspired it, there are always tons of fun things you can do with Mac and Cheese! For instance, you could get some nice and crispy bacon to put in with the cheese. Or you could sub one of the cheeses out for Pepper Jack cheese to give it a little extra kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal

Love this recipe?Follow @bubbapie for even more delicious recipes!!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (14)

Reader Interactions

    Leave A Reply!

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Colleen says

    This is divine! So good. Made for a family party last weekend & making again this weekend.. The one thing I won’t be doing is shredding Velveeta.. no can do.. will slice as thin as possible. I used potato chips as the topping & heavy cream.. so so yummy!

    Reply

    • Adena Hejl says

      There are now Velveeta shreds and I made the recipe last night. Absolutely delish!!!!! Also I doubled the sauce recipe and it was perfect. I also added some extra cheese to sauce AND on top!

      Reply

  2. Sheryl says

    Can this be made ahead of time??? Like a couple of days ahead?

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      I’d leave off the crunchy topping until rewarming it but otherwise yes.

      Reply

  3. Shan says

    Do I need to let it completely cool before storing it in fridge for a few hours before baking? I don’t want the noodles to get soggy!

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Yes, I wouldn’t put it in hot.

      Reply

  4. Norma RiveraYourTun says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (15)
    This recipe looks fantastic. I’m going to try it. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Please let us know what you thought!

      Reply

  5. Jennifer M Grove says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (16)
    We love homemade mac and cheese and this was definately top notch!!!! Excellent to make 2 and give away 1;)

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Yay!!!!!

      Reply

  6. Kelli says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (17)
    I love this recipe. I made a slight adjustment in the cheeses, and subbed cream cheese and sour cream for the Velveeta (can’t stand the stuff!). Colby jack also works in place of cheddar jack, if you want more cheese diversity. It is so versatile! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Great suggestions Kelli! Yes, my wife also hates Velveeta…. So we completely understand! Thanks for the comment!

      Reply

  7. Ron says

    Can this be made in a slow cooker?

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Probably. But the best part of it is that crispy breading topping, the you can only get in an oven.

      Reply

  8. Anne Clark says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (18)
    Would this freeze well? I

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Yes.

      Reply

  9. Andrea says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (19)
    My whole family enjoyed it and my 4 year old is a mac n’ cheese connoisseur! In additional to being incredibly delicious, this recipe is very easy to make.

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      That’s awesome!

      Reply

  10. Dee says

    OMG the best creamy delicious
    Best Mac and cheese I’ve tasted I made this with med size shell macaroni love when the cheese is in the shell

    Reply

  11. Mel M. says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (20)
    Used this recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Absolutely the best I have every made. Great taste and easy to follow. Thank you!

    Reply

  12. Julie says

    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (21)
    Really Good!!! I used smoked Gouda and jalapeno jack… we smoked it for about 1h in our smoker. Will do it again!! **my cheese measure were maybe too full… I added and extra 1/2 cup half and half

    Reply

    • Kathy says

      Whoa! I gotta try that!

      Reply

  13. Annie says

    This recipe has become known as my “million dollar Mac and cheese” and my nephew requests it for every family gathering. Soooo good! Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  14. Nana says

    I am definitely going to try this recipe. The only thing that I’ll change is the Velveeta. I’ll use 1/2 cup of white cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. I use half& half but if I don’t have that on hand, I will use 2% or whole milk. This sounds yummy.

    Reply

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe - BubbaPie (2024)

FAQs

Can you use Greek yogurt in boxed mac and cheese? ›

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Taste Better. To improve the tang and overall cheesiness of your boxed mac, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to the cooked and drained pasta while it's still warm. Toss to combine, then stir in the cheese powder until it's uniformly blended.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

Finally, using a plain yogurt is one of the best options for replacing milk in kraft mac and cheese! A plain whole milk yogurt or a greek yogurt would work well. Mix it in the same way you'd mix in sour cream, until it is well incorporated. This may have a slightly tangier flavor, but that is a personal preference.

How to make Annie's mac and cheese better? ›

On a baking sheet, toss sausage, tomatoes & smashed garlic with a glug of olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Place in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until sausage is thoroughly cooked. Cut up sausage and stir into prepared mac & cheese with tomatoes, garlic, fresh chopped basil and ovoline mozzarella.

Can I use mayo instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

While some folks use mayonnaise as a substitute for the milk and butter boxed mac and cheese calls for, the condiment also works as a supplement in addition to the traditional recipe. When mixed into macaroni and cheese, mayonnaise creates a rich and velvety texture that complements its rich flavor.

Can you substitute heavy cream for milk in boxed mac and cheese? ›

Replace The Milk

The package instructions may call for milk, but don't let that box you in. Instead of reaching for regular milk, opt for heavy cream or even half-and-half. Either choice will result in a richer, creamier mac and cheese than versions made with just plain milk.

What happens if you use water instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

Is milk or evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

Key #2: Use Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce. The next time you make it, try to find some more strongly flavor cheese, or adding more cheese.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese have no flavor? ›

Not salting the pasta water

And great pasta begins with water that's been heavily salted. We're talking ocean water levels of salt. Not adding salt to your water leads to bland, tasteless noodles. This, in turn, leads to a finished product that is flavorless even after adding the cheese sauce.

What can I add to macaroni and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What does adding more milk to mac and cheese do? ›

Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of milk and mix until the sauce has loosened up. (This is also a great trick for reheating mac and cheese - if you're microwaving leftovers and the sauce seems to have dried up, stir a splash of milk or half-and-half into the pasta to bring the sauce back to life!)

What is the best cheese combination for homemade mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

What can replace milk in box mac and cheese? ›

10 Substitutes For Milk In Mac And Cheese
  • Almond Milk. Almond milk is a popular plant-based milk that's a great substitute for regular cow's milk. ...
  • Soy Milk. Soy milk is another popular dairy-free milk option. ...
  • Oat Milk. ...
  • Coconut milk. ...
  • Rice Milk. ...
  • Cashew Milk. ...
  • Hemp Seed Milk. ...
  • Chicken Broth.
Jul 17, 2023

What can I add to my boxed mac and cheese? ›

Here are a few of my favorite ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese in three ingredients or fewer:
  1. Broccoli + Shredded Chicken. ...
  2. Bacon + Peas + Egg. ...
  3. Garlic + Pickled Jalapeños. ...
  4. Mushrooms + Thyme + Grated Gruyère. ...
  5. Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes. ...
  6. Kimchi + Bacon + Chopped Scallions. ...
  7. Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Mozzarella.

What can I use if I don't have milk for boxed mac and cheese? ›

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

What not to mix with Greek yogurt? ›

Vasant Lad notes that yogurt shouldn't be paired with milk. In addition to this, he also lists down a couple of everyday foods, that you may have been combining all your life with yogurt but shouldn't be! These include sour fruits, melons, fish, mango, starches, cheese and bananas.

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