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How to Make Red Robin Mac and Cheese – Copycat Style

ByAlex Smith
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Want to try the Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe in your own kitchen? This recipe is super easy and brings restaurant-style taste to your home. It is a perfect combination of cream, cheese, and made with just five simple ingredients. You cook the pasta, melt the cheese with cream, and mix everything together, so simple. Even if you are new to cooking, this one is hard to mess up.

It is not just tasty, it is also quick to make. Whether you are cooking for lunch, dinner, or just craving a cheesy snack, this recipe is ready in minutes. Plus, you can add your own twist like chicken, bacon, or veggies. Once you try it, you will want to make it again and again.

Red Robin Mac and Cheese Ingredients

What is Red Robin Mac and Cheese?

Red Robin Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish served at Red Robin restaurants. It is made with soft elbow macaroni, melted processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and a little cream. The cheese sauce is smooth and rich, making it a favorite comfort food for both kids and adults. This recipe is simple, tasty, and easy to enjoy at home too.

Key Details

Total Servings6 Person
CuisineAmerican
Calories385 (approx.)
CourseMain Course & Side Dish
Preparation Time5 mins
Cooking Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins

What Makes Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe Special?

This recipe is special because it is extra creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It uses both processed cheese and cheddar, which melt together perfectly to make a smooth and rich sauce. It is also easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it tastes just like the one from the restaurant. Everyone from kids to adults loves it because it is simple, quick, and super tasty.

Red Robin Mac and Cheese Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 6 ounces processed cheese
  • 5 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni)
  • Salt, to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

  • Saucepan 
  • Large pot 
  • Strainer (for draining pasta) 
  • Wooden spoon or spatula 
  • Measuring cups and spoons 
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese) 
  • Mixing bowl (optional)

Preparation Steps for Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Boil the Pasta

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft but still firm (al dente). Drain the water and set the cooked pasta aside. 

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan over low heat, add the processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Stir slowly and keep mixing until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pasta water to loosen it. 

Mix It All Together

  • Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix everything well until all the pasta is covered with the cheesy sauce. 

Taste and Finish

  • Add salt to taste if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Red Robin-style mac and cheese.
Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cooking Tips

  • Pasta Water: Save a little pasta water before draining. It helps make the cheese sauce smoother if it is too thick.
  • Low Heat: Always melt cheese on low heat. This stops it from burning or becoming grainy.
  • Stirring: Stir the cheese sauce slowly and often. This keeps it creamy and smooth.
  • Cheese Choice: Use processed cheese for creaminess and cheddar for strong flavor.
  • Salt Last: Add salt at the end. The cheese already has salt, so taste first.
  • Fresh Serve: Mac and cheese tastes best when eaten right after cooking warm and creamy.
  • Pasta Type: Elbow macaroni is best, but you can also use shells or penne.

Storage Guideline

Sometimes you have leftover mac and cheese, and that is okay. That is why storage guidelines are important, they help you keep the food fresh, safe, and tasty for later. If you store it the right way, you will not waste food, and you can enjoy the same delicious flavor the next day. It also saves time when you need a quick meal later. Here are some easy yips are given below:
  • Cool First: Let the mac and cheese cool down to room temperature before storing it. Do not put it in the fridge while hot.
  • Use Container: Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and avoid drying out. 
  • Refrigerate: Put the container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Label It: If you are storing many items, write the date on the container so you do not forget when you made it.
  • Avoid Overheating: When reheating, use low heat or microwave in short steps. Stir in a spoon of milk or cream to make it creamy again.
  • No Freezing (Optional): Freezing is not recommended because the cheese sauce can change texture, but if needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month.

Ingredients Substitutions

Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients at home. Ingredient substitutions help you still enjoy the recipe without losing the taste and texture. The goal is to keep the dish creamy and cheesy even if you change a few things. These swaps make it easy and flexible for everyone. Here are some simple substitutions are given below:
  • You can change Processed Cheese with cream cheese.
  • You can change Cheddar Cheese with mozzarella.
  • You can change Heavy Cream with whole milk.

Serving Recommendations

Serving recommendations are helpful because they make your meal more complete and tasty. Homemade Mac and cheese is great on its own, but it tastes even better when paired with the right sides or add-ons. It also helps you create a balanced meal by adding protein, veggies, or crunch. Here are some best and tasty recommendations are given below:

Nutritional Details

Nutrition’sQuantity
Calories385 kcal
Cholesterol28 mg
Saturated Fat4 g
Carbohydrates19 g
Protein12 g
Sugar3 g
Calcium120 mg
Magnesium20 mg

Flavor Twists

Flavor twists are a fun way to make your mac and cheese even better. They help you change the taste based on what you like spicy, smoky, meaty, or veggie-packed. Trying new flavors keeps the recipe exciting and helps you enjoy it in different ways every time. Here are some tasty flavor twist are given below:
  • Add Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, or crispy bacon for a more filling meal. 
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes, black pepper, or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick. 
  • Veggie Mix: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach to add color and health. 
  • Garlic & Onion: Add garlic powder or finely chopped onions for more flavor depth. 
  • Cheese Blend: Try using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack along with cheddar. 
  • Crunchy Top: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed chips on top for a crunchy finish. 
  • Smoky Touch: Add a little smoked paprika or use smoked cheese for a bold, smoky flavor.

FAQs

Yes! You can use shells, penne, or any small pasta shape. Just make sure to cook it al dente (firm, not too soft).

You can use cream cheese or more cheddar cheese, but the texture may be less creamy. Processed cheese melts smoother.

Add a little pasta water or more heavy cream while stirring the cheese. This helps make the sauce smooth and silky.

Yes! Reheat it on low heat or in the microwave. Add a spoon of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.

It is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container. The texture may change a bit when reheated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your favorite copycat Red Robin-style mac and cheese at home is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a creamy and tasty dish any time. It is great for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. You can keep it classic or try new flavors. This recipe is fun to cook and even more fun to eat.

Red Robin Mac and Cheese

How to Make Red Robin Mac and Cheese – Copycat Style

Making your favorite copycat Red Robin-style mac and cheese at home is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a creamy and tasty dish any time. It is great for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. You can keep it classic or try new flavors. This recipe is fun to cook and even more fun to eat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Persons
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Strainer (for draining pasta)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
  • Mixing bowl (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 6 ounces processed cheese
  • 5 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta elbow macaroni
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft but still firm (al dente). Drain the water and set the cooked pasta aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan over low heat, add the processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Stir slowly and keep mixing until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pasta water to loosen it.

Mix It All Together

  • Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix everything well until all the pasta is covered with the cheesy sauce.

Taste and Finish

  • Add salt to taste if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Red Robin-style mac and cheese.

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