Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Our Yard House Mac N Cheese recipe brings a fresh twist to this classic dish by combining creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for that rich indulgence we all crave. Inspired by the popular restaurant favorite, this version is easy to make at home and promises the same gooey, cheesy goodness.
We’ve crafted this recipe to deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal side dish or a hearty main course. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this mac and cheese will quickly become a go-to for cozy dinners and casual gatherings. Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy treat that’s sure to impress every time.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Yard House Mac N Cheese, we carefully select each ingredient to build that creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s everything we need broken down for clarity.
Cheese Blend
Our cheese blend is the heart of Yard House Mac N Cheese. Combining sharp and smooth cheeses creates the ultimate creamy and flavorful sauce.
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Pasta
The pasta choice is crucial for that ideal bite that holds onto the luscious cheese sauce.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra twist)
Sauce Ingredients
The sauce is a velvety base combining dairy and flour for perfect consistency and richness.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons | |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | To make the roux |
| Whole milk | 3 cups | Warm |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Adds extra creaminess |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Enhances cheese flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Seasonings and Extras
To elevate the dish, a balanced seasoning blend and optional texture add-ons bring everything together.
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1/4 teaspoon (optional for slight smokiness)
- Bread crumbs – 1/2 cup (for topping, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients combine to create the signature Yard House Mac N Cheese flavor and texture that will impress at any table.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Yard House Mac N Cheese recipe perfectly, having the right equipment on hand is essential. This ensures smooth workflow and a flawless creamy texture in every bite.
Essential Cookware and Tools
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta until al dente.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently without losing any bits.
- Medium saucepan: To make the creamy cheese sauce. Stainless steel or non-stick works best.
- Whisk: To blend the roux and sauces smoothly preventing lumps.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the cheese sauce and folding the pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To guarantee precise ingredient amounts for balanced flavor and texture.
Optional Equipment for Topping and Baking
- Oven-safe baking dish: If choosing to bake with breadcrumb topping for a golden crust.
- Broiler: To finish the top with a slight crisp and added texture.
- Fine grater: For freshly grating Parmesan or any cheese for topping or mixing.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large pot | Boiling pasta |
| Colander | Draining pasta |
| Medium saucepan | Preparing cheese sauce |
| Whisk | Blending roux and milk |
| Wooden spoon/Silicone spatula | Stirring and folding pasta with sauce |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Accurate ingredient portioning |
| Oven-safe baking dish | Baking mac and cheese for topping option |
| Broiler | Crisping breadcrumb or cheese topping |
| Fine grater | Grating cheese freshly |
“Using the correct tools helps us create the perfectly creamy and richly flavored Yard House Mac N Cheese every time.”
Having this equipment ready before we start makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Prep Work
To master the Yard House Mac N Cheese Recipe, precise prep work sets the foundation for a rich, creamy finish. Let’s break down the key steps to prepare the cheese sauce and perfectly cook the pasta.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
We start by crafting the luscious cheese sauce, the heart of our mac and cheese.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This forms the base for our roux.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and fragrant; this step prevents a floury taste and ensures smoothness.
- Gradually add 2 cups of warm whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and whisk in the cheese blend:
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda, shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a velvety sauce.
6. Season with:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
These seasonings elevate each bite with layers of flavor.
Cooking the Pasta
The pasta’s texture is critical for holding our rich cheese sauce inside and out.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Pasta Choice | Use 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi |
| Boiling Water | Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts water) |
| Cooking Time | Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture (about 7 minutes) |
| Draining | Drain pasta in a colander and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for sauce adjustment if needed |
Once drained, immediately combine the pasta with the warm cheese sauce to allow the sauce to cling to each noodle perfectly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal creaminess.
Together, these steps prepare us to assemble the authentic Yard House Mac N Cheese with unmatched creaminess and flavor.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create our Yard House Mac N Cheese with its signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
- Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour continuously for 2 minutes to form a smooth roux without browning it.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of warm whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the cheese blend:
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar (shredded)
- ½ cup smoked gouda (shredded)
- ½ cup Monterey Jack (shredded)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a velvety smooth sauce.
- Season with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Prepare pasta: Cook 12 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi in a large pot of boiling salted water. Aim for al dente—firm yet tender—about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
- Immediately add the hot pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Gently fold to combine, coating every piece evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pasta type | Elbow macaroni or cavatappi |
| Pasta quantity | 12 ounces |
| Cooking time | Approximately 8 minutes, al dente |
| Reserved pasta water | ½ cup |
Baking (Optional)
- Preheat your oven broiler to high.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy crust.
- Broil the mac and cheese for 3-5 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Pro tip: Baking adds a delightful crispy layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy mac and cheese beneath—exactly how Yard House serves it.
Serving Suggestions
Our Yard House Mac N Cheese shines with its rich and creamy texture, making it equally perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course. Here are some optimal ways to enhance your serving experience:
Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
- Add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy cheese sauce.
- Complement with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a complete comfort food meal.
Presentation Tips
- For a classic Yard House touch, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with golden breadcrumbs, and broil briefly to create a crispy golden crust.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add vibrant color and a fresh aroma.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a stylish plated presentation perfect for dinner parties.
Portion Recommendations
| Serving Size | Occasion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (per person) | Side dish | Ideal for pairing with protein |
| 1 ½ to 2 cups | Main course | Suitable for hearty appetites |
| Family-style (large dish) | Casual gatherings | Easy for sharing and seconds |
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and top with fresh breadcrumbs for crunch.
“The secret to an unforgettable mac and cheese experience lies not only in the cheese sauce but also in how we serve and complement it.”
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead with our Yard House Mac N Cheese Recipe allows us to enjoy its rich, creamy flavors even on busy days. Here are the best Make-Ahead Tips to preserve the texture and taste without compromising quality.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce and Pasta Separately
The key to a successful make-ahead mac and cheese is to keep the components separate:
- Cook the pasta al dente as instructed, then drain and toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cheese sauce fully, making sure it is smooth and creamy.
Store both parts in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before combining.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat while maintaining the signature Yard House creaminess, follow these steps:
- Combine the cold pasta and cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying.
- Stir frequently until heated through and smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
Avoid microwaving directly without stirring, which can cause uneven heating and clumping.
Baking with Toppings Ahead of Time
If you prefer the crispy breadcrumb topping:
- Assemble the mac and cheese in your baking dish.
- Sprinkle evenly with the prepared breadcrumbs.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
When ready to serve, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Freezing for Extended Storage
Our recipe freezes well for up to 1 month. Use the chart below for best results:
| Step | Instructions | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked pasta (al dente) | Cool completely, toss with oil, freeze in bag | Up to 1 month frozen |
| Cheese sauce (cooled) | Store in airtight container, freeze flat | Up to 1 month frozen |
| Combined mac and cheese baked | Best frozen without topping, thaw before baking | Up to 1 month frozen |
To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight and reheat gently as described.
Pro Tip: Avoid freezing mac and cheese with crispy toppings to preserve texture. Add breadcrumbs fresh right before baking after thawing.
By following these Make-Ahead Tips, we ensure our Yard House Mac N Cheese stays delicious and creamy, ready to impress whenever we need a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating
To keep our Yard House Mac N Cheese fresh and creamy, proper storage and reheating are essential. Follow these steps to enjoy every bite as delicious as when freshly made.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes before storing.
- Transfer leftovers into an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent odors.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to ensure peak freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese in a shallow freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
| Storage Type | Container | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Airtight container | 3 to 4 days | Best within 2 days for texture |
| Freezing | Freezer-safe container | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight before reheating |
Reheating Instructions
To preserve the dish’s creamy texture and rich flavors, reheating with care is crucial.
Microwave Reheating
- Place a portion of mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1 minute, then stir.
- Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
“Adding liquid during reheating prevents drying out and restores the sauce’s luscious creaminess.”
Oven Reheating (Preferred for Crisp Topping)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish.
- Add a splash of milk or cream and gently stir to combine.
- Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Remove foil, sprinkle extra breadcrumbs if desired, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
Make-Ahead Storage Tips
- For convenience, prepare pasta and cheese sauce separately.
- Store both components in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Combine and bake or reheat when ready to serve.
- Freeze components separately to maintain texture if storing beyond 2 days.
By following these Storing and Reheating guidelines we ensure that every serving of our Yard House Mac N Cheese remains indulgently creamy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Yard House Mac N Cheese recipe brings a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and easy preparation to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main or a satisfying side, it’s designed to impress every time.
With the right ingredients and techniques, we can recreate that rich, indulgent flavor that makes this dish a favorite. Plus, the flexibility to add a crispy topping or pair it with your favorite sides means it fits any meal occasion.
Let’s get cooking and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic that’s sure to become a staple in our home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Yard House Mac N Cheese different from regular mac and cheese?
Yard House Mac N Cheese uses a blend of sharp white cheddar, smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, combined with a creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a rich, indulgent flavor and texture that stands out from classic versions.
What type of pasta is best for Yard House Mac N Cheese?
Elbow macaroni or cavatappi are ideal because their shapes hold onto the cheese sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful and creamy.
Can I bake Yard House Mac N Cheese to add a crispy topping?
Yes, you can transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil until golden brown for a tasty, crunchy contrast.
What equipment do I need to make this recipe?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander, a medium saucepan for the sauce, a whisk, and measuring tools. An oven-safe dish and broiler are optional for baking.
How do I store leftovers of Yard House Mac N Cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently, adding a little milk or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I prepare Yard House Mac N Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook pasta separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to two days. Assemble and bake later when needed for convenience.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Yard House Mac N Cheese?
Grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, roasted vegetables, and crisp green salads complement the richness of the mac and cheese perfectly.
How do I keep the cheese sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water during reheating, and warm gently in the microwave or oven to maintain creamy texture without drying out.