Craving that irresistible, creamy mac and cheese you get at Applebee's? Forget the takeout and the wait! This recipe delivers the same cheesy, comforting goodness right to your kitchen table. It’s easier than you think to recreate this classic comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat. Get ready for a taste of restaurant-quality mac and cheese, homemade and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Cheesy Goodness
This recipe yields about 6 servings of creamy perfection.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for bread crumbs
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mac and Cheese Bliss
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Creating the Cheesy Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Bringing it All Together:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses (if using) until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
The Golden Touch:
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Mastery
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses! A blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and provolone also works wonderfully.
- Creamy Consistency: For an extra creamy mac and cheese, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance and bake it when ready.
Variations: Beyond the Classic
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before baking.
- Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets along with the macaroni.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add cooked shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce to the cheese sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Enjoy your homemade Applebee's-inspired mac and cheese! This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's a comforting, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let us know how yours turns out!