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 does adding more milk to mac and cheese do? ›

The sauce was thicker, creamier, and shinier. It behaved like actual cheese, with tiny little cheese pulls between the elbow noodles. I may never add milk—or any other liquid dairy for that matter—ever again.

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.

What spices are good for mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, and Dry Mustard

These spices will cut through the hearty flavor of the cheese and butter. Simply add ½ teaspoons of cayenne, black pepper, and dry mustard with a dash of nutmeg to a mixture of 1 egg and 1 cup (0.24 l) of heavy cream.

What is the best flavor to add to mac and cheese? ›

Black Pepper: Always a must! Nutmeg: This is also optional but trust me, a dash of it goes a long way to balance the tangy cheese flavor and all the fats. Cayenne Powder: A little sprinkle makes all the difference. It does not make this spicy – it just balances the flavors.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

Is it better to use evaporated milk or regular milk in mac and cheese? ›

It will be richer and creamier. It's actually a very good substitute for regular milk. I've often used evaporated milk in mac&cheese which makes it better than milk. Both heavy cream and evaporated milk are much better in mashed potatoes, too!

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.

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 kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

The remaining ingredients are simple: butter and flour (which makes the sauce thicken), milk, spices, salt, and pepper. For the milk, I prefer whole milk since it makes a creamier sauce, but I've used reduced fat milk plenty of times without complaint.

What happens if you make mac and cheese and don't have milk? ›

If you're wondering about making boxed mac and cheese without milk, such as Kraft mac and cheese, you can do that, too! Simply replace the milk with chicken broth or water, melt in a bit of cream cheese, and you'll still end up with a tasty, cheesy meal.

Can you replace milk with sour cream in mac and cheese? ›

It actually works very well! This is the best substitute because the cream cheese serves as a binder and thickening agent, the sour cream lightens the mixture and adds tanginess, and the pasta water (you could also use chicken broth) thins it out into a creamy consistency while adding binding power.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

If your mac and cheese tastes bland, it's either because it's under-seasoned, you didn't use flavorful cheese, or you didn't use enough cheese. Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it.

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Fontina, and Gouda cheese are good options.

Why add sour cream to mac and cheese? ›

Whether making it from scratch or the box, sour cream is the secret ingredient to rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. This tart and tangy additive goes a long way regarding recipes, and just a dollop can transform any dish into a thick and creamy masterpiece.

What to do if mac and cheese is 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.

How do you make mac and cheese not boring? ›

Add more cheese

Even just a few ounces of good cheese will enhance your basic mac and cheese. And macaroni is a blank slate, so you can use just about any cheese you fancy.

Why does my mac and cheese not taste good? ›

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.

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