Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (2024)

With over 570 restaurants currently in operation, there’s a good reason why Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews have achieved so much success as a franchise.

From succulent grilled burgers to thick crispy fries, they are a staple of American casual dining and have been serving patrons for over 40 years.

But despite their huge array of burgers to offer, their signature ‘Red Robin Mac and Cheese’ is still a staple of the restaurant and something that many people would love to make at home.

Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (1)

Today we’re going to show you how to make that very same Mac and Cheese recipe in the comfort of your home.

How to make Red Robin Mac and Cheese

Table of Contents

One of the things that make Red Robin Mac and Cheese so beloved by Red Robin patrons is that they offer really good and simple Mac and Cheese with infinite refills for the kids.

While this recipe doesn’t come with endless refills, it’s going to have that same excellent quality that you associate with Red Robin.

There’s nothing too fancy going on ingredients-wise, which makes it ideal when you’re in a rush or need something to fill the kids up quickly.

That being said, because of its tried and true nature, there’s also plenty of space to experiment and get creative with the recipe yourself, don’t be afraid to throw in your own seasonings and spices as you see fit!

Ingredients:

(4 servings)

  • 1 and 1/2 cups of macaroni
  • 6 oz of shredded cheese (processed)
  • 4 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Water

Instructions:

Mac and Cheese is a simple dish to make and there’s nothing about Red Robin’s version in particular that makes it different.

They have opted to just make simple tried and true mac and cheese.

So it’s worth mentioning that this is a great recipe for experimentation and creativity.

Try adding different cheeses or seasonings that you think might fit well.

Step 1:

Fill up a pot with water and bring to a boil.

Step 2:

Add salt to the water, make sure to stir thoroughly so it dissolves in the water.

Step 3:

Add the dried macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

This should be cooked until the pasta is al dente.

That is to say, it should still be ever so slightly firm when bitten into.

An easy way to test this is to remove 1 piece of the macaroni from the pot after about 7 minutes to check its texture.

Depending on your cooking temperature you may need to cook it for a while longer, so don’t worry if you go above 10 minutes.

The final texture is more important than the cooking time!

Step 4:

Once the pasta is cooked to the right firmness remove the pot and drain the pasta through a colander and then pour the pasta back into the pot.

Step 5:

While the pasta is still hot and the heat is still on, place the now drained pasta and bowl back onto the heat.

Step 6:

Add the processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients have melted together.

Step 7:

Finally, we can season it with a little salt and it’s now ready to serve.

Ingredient substitutions

Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (2)

Mac and Cheese is a surprisingly versatile dish to make.

Because of its simple cooking nature, there is a ton of space for ingredient substitutions and experimentation.

You can make it healthier, more creamy, saltier, the sky is the limit!

This is especially helpful if you are making the dish for anyone who is lactose intolerant and cannot use cream.

All of the listed cream substitutions can be used in a 1:1 ratio as direct replacements.

1. Butter

Not everyone has cream in their house, so butter is often a nice save in case you find yourself in a situation where you want to cook mac and cheese but don’t happen to have cream on hand.

2. Sour cream or cream cheese

Of course, this is not a good substitution if you are in need of a non-dairy mac and cheese alternative.

But these are fantastic if you’re looking to thicken up the sauce or give the flavor a bit more bite with that sour cream.

3. Non-dairy substitutions

There are a number of non-dairy alternatives you can use instead of cream.

This includes products such as soy milk, non-dairy cream, coconut milk, cashew milk, or even goat’s milk.

These will result in a slightly different texture and taste, but this is all part of the fun. Experiment to find what works for you and what your preferred flavor is!

What to serve with Red Robin Mac and Cheese

Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (3)

Mac and cheese can often remind us of our childhood when we used to eat this quick and simple food while watching TV after school.

The simplicity of this dish means there’s a lot of room to explore with its flavor pallet, whether that’s adding additional condiments or serving it alongside some side dishes.

There’s plenty you can do to keep Mac and Cheese interesting.

Let’s explore a few options.

BBQ Ribs

Nothing complements that dark red BBQ sauce better than the golden shade of pasta.

It’s going to turn your simple mac and cheese dish into a hearty feast that will keep you warm and full during those winter months.

Meatballs

Keeping up with the quick and easy theme of Mac and Cheese, stirring up some simple meatballs with some ketchup or spicy sauce on can serve as a perfect complement.

Meatballs are a great match for any kind of pasta so you can be sure it’ll work great with Red Robin Mac and Cheese.

Coleslaw

On the other hand, if you’re not looking to turn it into a hearty dish for the winter months, you can complement it with a cold side dish.

The tang of the dressing and crunch of the fresh vegetables will complement the high carb and rich flavor of the mac and cheese.

Chilli

Not so much as a side dish, but you can add some chili flakes or sauce directly to the mac and cheese to boost its flavor to the next level.

It’s a match made in heaven and is guaranteed to give your mac and cheese that extra kick.

How to reheat Red Robin Mac and Cheese

When you’re hungry and are whipping up some quick mac and cheese, it can be easy to make too much.

Luckily, it’s very easy to both store and reheats. Here’s how to do it.

How to reheat Red Robin Mac and Cheese in a pot

Whether you’re reheating from frozen or from refrigeration, there’s no need to mess around here.

Throw everything into a pot and heat over medium heat.

Keep stirring and beating it with a wooden spoon.

You can also add a touch of butter or cheese again if it’s looking a little dry.

If you don’t want to add any more fats, you can simply throw in a splash of water to prevent dryness.

In that case, you may want to taste it and see if it needs a little more salt accordingly.

How to reheat Red Robin Mac and Cheese in a microwave

By far the quickest way to reheat mac and cheese.

Just throw it in the microwave for 1 minute, take it out and stir.

If it’s not hot enough yet throw it in for another 30 seconds and you’re done.

How to reheat Red Robin Mac and Cheese in the oven

Simply place in an oven-proof casserole dish and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.

If you wish for a crusty and little brownish texture on top, you can set your oven on ventilation for the last couple of minutes.

How to reheat Red Robin Mac and Cheese in the air fryer

Load any leftover mac and cheese into the fryer and reheat for 8 minutes at 320°F.

Feel free to add extra cheese, butter, or simply water, so it doesn’t dry out.

How to store Red Robin Mac and Cheese

If you need to store any leftover Mac and Cheese you can do so for up to 5 days. Just make sure no air can get to it.

Store in the fridge

Once the mac and cheese has fully cooled, place it in an air-tight container or into a dish/bowl and cover with cling wrap.

Place in the fridge and it will keep for 3 to 5 days.

Store in the freezer

If you need to keep it for longer than 3 days you can (once the ingredients are cool) place them in a ziplock back or freezer-safe container and freeze for several months.

When reheating from frozen there’s no need to defrost it.

Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (4)

Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe

Red Robin Mac and Cheese is a stable dish of the famous restaurant chain, and for good reason. This simple yet fulfilling dish can satisfy everyone, from little kids to adults. Plus, it's so easy to make at home!

4.77 from 30 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine European

Servings 4 people

Calories 376.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 bowl

  • 1 Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups macaroni
  • 6 oz shredded cheese processed
  • 4 oz shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • TT salt
  • water

Instructions

  • Fill up a pot with water and bring to a boil.

  • Add salt to the water, make sure to stir thoroughly so it dissolves in the water.

  • Add the dried macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. This should be cooked until the pasta is al dente.

  • Once the pasta is cooked to the right firmness remove the pot and drain the pasta through a colander and then pour the pasta back into the pot.

  • While the pasta is still hot and the heat is still on, place the now drained pasta and bowl back onto the heat.

  • Add the processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients have melted together.

  • Finally, we can season it with a little salt and it’s now ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 376.4kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 17.1gFat: 18.9gSaturated Fat: 11.1gCholesterol: 58.6mgSodium: 622.8mgPotassium: 184.9mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 3.8gVitamin A: 570.5IUCalcium: 353mgIron: 1.6mg

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Red Robin Mac And Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to add to mac 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!)

Can I use yogurt instead of milk in 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 really good mac and cheese from the box? ›

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 is the most perfect cheese to use on Mac & cheese? ›

Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy? ›

You want equal amounts of butter and flour by weight. This is key. Throw in too much flour, and sure the sauce might get thick, but it also might taste floury and be lumpy. Even if you get the roux right, use too much or reduce your sauce down too far, and the macaroni and cheese will turn out dry.

Why is evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

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 happens if you add more butter to mac and cheese? ›

The result will be a bowl of mac and cheese that is so rich and creamy that you may even forget that it came from a box. If you're worried about leaving out the milk entirely, then you can simply lessen the amount of milk the box calls for and up the amount of butter, which should give you a similar result.

What is the best milk 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.

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

Note 1: Milk: The evaporated milk lends a really nice flavor and creaminess, it's the "secret" to this mac and cheese! It also thickens faster since it's not straight from the fridge and cold. If you'd prefer to not use evaporated milk, whole milk or 2% works (whole is best).

Can you use sour cream instead of milk? ›

In fact, you can substitute sour cream for milk almost anytime the recipe calls for less than a cup of milk. One of the most common ingredients to use milk with is potatoes. Spuds love dairy, so if a recipe calls for milk, sour cream almost always works in its place.

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

Sour Cream

There are a couple of reasons this is such a good substitute. For one thing, since sour cream is thicker than regular milk, it doesn't thin out the cheese sauce as much. That means that you can add more sour cream and still get a creamy finish.

How many cups of water do I need for a box of mac and cheese? ›

Stove Top Instructions:

Boil 6 cups water. Stir in macaroni. Boil 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What seasonings to add to Kraft mac and cheese? ›

Spices: A little garlic powder and onion powder goes a long way in making this the best easy mac and cheese ever! Definitely don't skimp on these. You could also add a bit of paprika, black pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavor even more.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Is milk or water better for mac and cheese? ›

Cooking macaroni in a small volume of water concentrates the starch from the pasta, helping the cheese form a creamy emulsion. Similar recipes call for cooking pasta in milk, which can scorch. Cooking in water and adding evaporated milk toward the end fixes this problem.

What meat can you add to mac and cheese? ›

Add any of these proteins after the cheese has melted, and stir for a couple of minutes to heat through before adding the pasta to the sauce: 1 to 2 cups cooked cubed (or shredded) chicken, ham, pork, or beef.

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