Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe

This copycat McAlister’s mac and cheese is a quick and easy stove top recipe. Enjoy one of your restaurant favorites from the comfort of your own home.

Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (1)

My daughter loves mac and cheese, it is one of her favorite dishes. I am all for creating restaurant favorites at home, especially McAlister’s recipes so I decided to whip some up. Some of my favorite copycat recipes are copycat McAlister’s chili, copycat McAlister’s sweet tea, and copycat McAlister’s tortilla soup!

Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (2)

This mac and cheese is super easy to make on your stovetop. According to their website their recipe is made from American and Neufchatel cheese. Neufchatel cheese is a lot like cream cheese (it can be found next the cream cheese at most grocery stores). If you can’t find any, you can substitute cream cheese in this recipe.

Ingredients needed

Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (3)

For this recipe, you will need:

  • Elbow macaroni: You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of elbow macaroni.
  • Butter: I recommend using unsalted so you can control how much salt goes into the recipe. If you only have salted butter, add salt to taste.
  • All purpose flour: To thicken the cheese sauce.
  • Milk: You’ll want to use whole milk.
  • Salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard: McAlister’s mac and cheese is very creamy and mild but there is a little bit of seasoning to it.
  • Mild cheddar: I shredded my own (it usually melts better) but you can also use pre-shredded.
  • American cheese: Such as Velveeta.
  • Neufchatel cheese: Neufchatel cheese is located next to the cream cheese at most grocery stores. You can also substitute cream cheese.

How to make this recipe

In a large pot, bring water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add in the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package.

Drain the water from the macaroni in a colander in your sink. Set aside and let the pasta cool.

In the pot, add the butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Reduce the heat and add in the milk, flour, and seasonings. Whisk until everything is evenly combined.

Cut your Velveeta cheese and Neufchatel into cubes and add it in. Add your shredded cheddar. Cook over low heat while stirring frequently until everything is melted.

Add in your macaroni and then stir well.

Tips

  • You can substitute full fat cream cheese for the Neufchatel, if needed.
  • When adding the cheese reduce the heat so the cheese sauce doesn’t become clumpy.

How to store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Leftovers will be good for 4 to 5 days after making.

If you enjoyed this copycat recipe, you might also like:

  • Copycat McAlister’s Club
  • Copycat McAlister’s Sweet Tea
  • Copycat Subway Broccoli and Cheese Soup
  • Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing
  • Copycat Rudy’s Creamed Corn

Copycat McAlister’s Mac and Cheese

Audrey

This copycat McAlister's mac and cheese is a quick and easy stove top recipe. Enjoy one of your restaurant favorites from the comfort of your own home.

4.67 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 305 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot

  • Colander

  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar
  • 4 ounces American cheese (such as Velveeta) cubed
  • 2 ounces Neufchatel or you can substitute cream cheese

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add in the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package.

  • Drain the water from the macaroni in a colander in your sink. Set aside and let the pasta cool.

  • In the pot, add the butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Reduce the heat and add in the milk, flour, and seasonings. Whisk until everything is evenly combined.

  • Cut your Velveeta cheese and Neufchatel into cubes and add it in. Add your shredded cheddar. Cook over low heat while stirring frequently until everything is melted.

  • Add in your macaroni and then stir well.

Notes

  • You can substitute full fat cream cheese for the Neufchatel, if needed.
  • When adding the cheese reduce the heat so the cheese sauce doesn’t become clumpy.

Nutritional information is an estimate only.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 13gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 485mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 546IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 351mgIron: 1mg

Need more recipes? Follow me on Facebook!@twopinkpeonies

Join my email list for recipes straight to your inbox!

Don’t forget to share this recipe or save it for later with Pinterest!

Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (5)

« Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

Amish Chicken »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megan

    Any suggestions on how to make it ahead of time; prep cheese sauce and pasta separately let cool then reheat to combine???

    Reply

    • Audrey

      You can make it and then reheat it on low until it is warm. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Sally Smith

    Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (6)
    I feel that there wasn’t enough pasta for all that cheese, I’ll bump it up to 2 cups next time. I will also use cream cheese instead because the Neufchatel available at my store added a sweetness I’m not a big fan of. I’d like it to be a little sharper. I made this with a killer BLT and your McAlister’s tea recipe. Maybe $6 versus a $30 lunch out!! Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Copycat McAlister's Mac and Cheese {easy copycat recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is in Mcalister's mac and cheese? ›

Elbow macaroni noodles with creamy cheddar, American and Neufchatel cheese. Cut calories in half by making part of a Choose Two combination!

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.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What does milk do in mac and cheese? ›

But if it's the powder, or store-bought cheese, than I usually do milk. Milk helps amplify the cheese flavor and gives it a rich texture. The water keeps it light, and reduces some calories.

What two cheeses go in mac and cheese? ›

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are a match made in gooey heaven, especially when they're blanketed in tons of crisp topping. At last, a recipe that's as easy as the boxed stuff, but so much tastier. It relies on Monterey Jack, Parmesan and two smooth melters: American cheese and cream cheese.

What is easy mac cheese made of? ›

You read that correctly: just three simple ingredients lead to culinary bliss. We've stripped away the complexity (no roux needed!) without compromising on flavor, using only the essentials — milk, cheese, and pasta — to craft a quick and easy meal that surpasses the boxed version in every way.

Is milk or evaporated milk better for 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!

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

That higher concentration of milk proteins means evaporated milk is more stable, so it's less likely to “break” or curdle. Evaporated milk also usually contains stabilizers, such as carrageenan, which help keep your mac's sauce super smooth and silky.

Is regular milk or evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

Note 1: Milk: The evaporated milk lends a really nice flavor and creaminess, it's the "secret" to this mac and cheese! It also thickens faster since it's not straight from the fridge and cold. If you'd prefer to not use evaporated milk, whole milk or 2% works (whole is best).

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

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

What is the most flavorful cheese for mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

1. It takes two cheeses to tango with mac. For really great macaroni and cheese, you need a cheese that melts well and a cheese that packs a punch. A few cheeses do both (that's a shout out to you, cheddar, emmentaler, and your other alpine-style, fondue favorites).

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

The 5 Biggest Mac & Cheese Mistakes
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. Because macaroni and cheese is English in origin, you might be tempted to make it with only cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. The flavor of the cheese is enhanced with spice. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

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.

Is evaporated milk better than heavy cream for mac and cheese? ›

It is better to use heavy cream for Mac and Cheese instead of milk, or better yet, use evaporated milk which has the thickness of heavy cream without all of the fat! Furthermore, it is more stable than heavy cream so your Macaroni and Cheese is less likely to curdle or separate.

What is mac and cheese cheese made of? ›

However, the cheese sauce typically contains a combination of powdered cheese (often cheddar cheese), whey, milk solids, salt, and other flavorings to create the creamy and cheesy sauce that is a key component of the dish.

What does the mac and cheese bowl have in it? ›

Basically, the KFC Mac and Cheese Bowl is an individual serving of creamy + rich mac and cheese topped with crispy popcorn chicken and sprinkled with a three-cheese blend.

What are the ingredients in McAlister's bread? ›

Bread: Unbleached Whole Wheat Flour, Enriched Unbleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Sugar, Yeast, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Wheat Gluten, Soybean Oil, Salt, Dough Conditioners (Distilled Mono And Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl ...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5902

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.