Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe
Discover how to make the best Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect comfort food!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Heavy saucepan or skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 pound about 450g Macaroni
- 1/4 cup 60g Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups 480ml Whole milk
- 1/2 cup 120ml Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon White pepper
- 1 cup 100g Shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup 50g Grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch Freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup 25g Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Note: Al dente pasta is crucial here—it should still have a bit of a bite to it!
Step 2 – Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps.
- Stir in salt and white pepper, bring to a simmer, and allow to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic lift.
- Warning: Keep an eye on the sauce; if it overheats, the cheese may separate and become grainy.
Step 3 – Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until each noodle is beautifully coated.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a bit of crunch.
- Note: For an extra touch of luxury, you can briefly broil the mac and cheese to crisp up the breadcrumb topping.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using a blend of different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Gouda.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach the desired consistency.