Have you ever ordered mac and cheese at Red Robin, it is so creamy, rich and comforting to eat. Smooth cheese sauce which encircles perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food.
Today, I would like to tell you about my Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe that I have made at home and it is exactly the same as the one I had at the restaurant and maybe even a bit better. It is white and super-cheesy and happens to be very simple to prepare in the house.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra creamy and smooth cheese sauce
Simple pantry ingredients
Ready in under 30 minutes
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Tastes like restaurant-style comfort food
If you’re looking for the best mac and cheese recipe, this one checks every box — rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying without being complicated.
Hi, I’m Mayank, the home cook behind The Calorie Curry. I spend most of my time experimenting in my kitchen, cooking for friends and family who often say my food tastes like it came from a pro chef. Their honest feedback and my love for simple, homemade cooking inspire every recipe I share here.
What This Recipe Is
This Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe is a creamy and stovetop-type Macaroni and cheese recipe prepared of elbow pasta and a creamy cheddar-based cheese sauce.
It’s not baked.
It’s not dry.
It is creamy and smooth and delicious and cheesy as any good cheesy mac and cheese ought to be.
Ingredients
| Amount | Unit | Ingredient Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | cups | Elbow macaroni | Cook until al dente |
| 2 | tbsp | Butter | Unsalted preferred |
| 2 | tbsp | All-purpose flour | For thickening |
| 2 | cups | Whole milk | Warmed slightly |
| 1 | cup | Heavy cream | Adds richness |
| 2 | cups | Sharp cheddar cheese | Freshly grated |
| ½ | cup | Mozzarella cheese | For extra stretch |
| ½ | tsp | Garlic powder | Subtle flavor boost |
| ½ | tsp | Salt | Adjust to taste |
| ¼ | tsp | Black pepper | Freshly ground |
Equipment
| Amount | Equipment Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Large pot | For boiling pasta |
| 1 | Colander | To drain pasta |
| 1 | Saucepan | For cheese sauce |
| 1 | Whisk | Prevents lumps |
| 1 | Wooden spoon | For mixing |
Why Each Ingredient Is Important
Elbow macaroni – Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Butter + flour – Creates a roux, which thickens the sauce smoothly.
Milk + cream – Make the sauce rich and silky.
Sharp cheddar – Main flavor base, bold and cheesy.
Mozzarella – Adds stretch and smooth texture.
Garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
Salt & pepper – Balance and seasoning.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (usually 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Do not overcook — the pasta should still have slight bite.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat:
Melt butter
Add flour
Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes
It should look smooth and slightly golden. This step prevents raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Then add cream.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Lower the heat.
Add:
Cheddar
Mozzarella
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons warm milk.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Best Results
Always grate your own cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly)
Use medium heat — high heat can make cheese grainy
Warm milk slightly before adding
Don’t skip the roux
Serve immediately for best texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking pasta
Adding cheese on high heat
Using low-fat milk only (sauce won’t be creamy enough)
Skipping seasoning
Not whisking enough during roux stage
Health / Calorie-Friendly Notes
If you want to lighten it up:
Use 2% milk instead of cream
Reduce cheese by ¼ cup
Add steamed broccoli for extra fiber
Use whole wheat pasta
This makes it slightly lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Add crispy bacon bits
Stir in grilled chicken
Use smoked cheddar for deeper flavor
Add a pinch of paprika for warmth
Mix in parmesan for extra sharpness
You can easily turn this into your own signature best mac and cheese recipe.
What to Serve It With
Burgers
Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Garlic bread
Fresh green salad
It works both as a main dish and a comforting side.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight container
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat with splash of milk
Avoid microwaving too long (stir halfway)
For best results, reheat on stovetop with a little milk.
Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (usually 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Do not overcook — the pasta should still have slight bite.
- In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt butter
- Add flour
- Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes
- It should look smooth and slightly golden. This step prevents raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Then add cream.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Lower the heat.
- Add:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons warm milk.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
FAQs
Is this the exact Red Robin mac and cheese recipe?
This is my homemade version inspired by the restaurant-style red robin mac and cheese recipe, carefully recreated to match the flavor and creaminess.
Can I bake this macaroni and cheese?
Yes. Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
You likely used high heat. Always melt cheese on low heat.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
It can be frozen, but texture may change slightly after reheating.
Final Thoughts
It is a bowl of comfort in the Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe. It is creamy, it is cheesy, and it is very satisfying just like a decent recipe of macaroni and cheese should be.
I like it because it is very basic, but it feels like you have ordered it in your favorite restaurant.
Should you attempt this at home, I will be glad to know how it will work out. At The Calorie Curry, I will always strive to make the restaurant inspired recipes seem possible at home.
