Hello, foodies! Today, we’re gonna turn some humble ingredients into a rich and blindingly delicious dish, Outback Mac and Cheese Made With 6 Simple Ingredients. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for some gooey cheesy goodness. Personally, I fell head over heels for it at the first spoonful. Why? It brings together two fan favorites: the gooey, cheesiness of mac and cheese, and the robust flavors of the Outback Steakhouse. Trust me, folks, you’re in for a treat!
Don’t sweat over the complexity. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Not to mention, it’s super quick to make. Plus, the burst of flavors and textures it packs is downright groovy.
Leaning into nostalgia whilst keeping it classy, this dish is sure to put a smile on everybody’s faces. So let’s dive right in, shall we?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Yield: 8 cups
Alright, let’s make some magic with cheese and mac!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
You’ll need a pot to cook the macaroni, a saucepan for the cheese sauce and a baking dish if you fancy some golden crust on your mac and cheese.
This recipe keeps it simple. The real star here is the cheddar cheese. Go for a nice sharp cheddar to give your mac and cheese a tangy punch. The flour and butter create the base for our cheese sauce and the milk helps get that beautiful creamy consistency. If you are lactose intolerant, you can substitute the milk with lactose-free milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
How To Make Outback Mac and Cheese
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute or so. This will form a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
- Next, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Now, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt.
- Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is covered in that delicious cheese blend.
- If you like a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until crispy and golden brown.
Tips For The Best Results
- Always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents which can make your cheese sauce less smooth.
- Don’t rinse the pasta after cooking. The starch on the pasta helps the cheese sauce adhere better.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For reheating, you can microwave it, but for best results, heat it in a saucepan on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Just make sure they melt well.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
A: Of course. You can add veggies, bacon or even chicken for extra flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you definitely can. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour alternative like almond flour.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly when thawed. It’s best eaten fresh.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Sure, just substitute the milk, butter, and cheese with vegan alternatives.
Nutritional Facts of Outback Mac and Cheese
Per serving (1 cup): Calories 350 | Total Fat 20g | Saturated Fat 12g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 350mg | Total Carbohydrate 28g | Dietary Fiber 1g | Protein 16g
In a nutshell, Outback Mac and Cheese is a rich, cozy, cheesy delight. It’s a crowd pleaser that you’d want to add to your go-to recipes pronto! Top it off with some crispy bacon bits, or roasted broccoli if you’re craving some greens. Or simply savor it in its traditional glory. Either way, just remember to enjoy it hot and gooey, just like a classic Mac and Cheese should be!
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