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The Red Robin franchise is more than popular. With over 570 restaurants currently in operation, there is a good reason why they have achieved so much success.
Their success relies not only on their growth across the country but also on their menu quality. Red Robin has so much to offer, but the staple of their restaurant is still their iconic mac and cheese.
Today I am about to show you how to make the very same Red Robin mac and cheese in the comfort of your own home!
Making Red Robin Mac and Cheese (Overview)
Red Robin mac and cheese is an absolute hit, but in terms of preparation, it is more than a simple meal. There is nothing fancy ingredients-wise, which makes it ideal when you are in a rush or need something to fill the family up quickly.
Making Red Robin mac and cheese is simple. You cook the pasta, make the sauce, and just bring the two together.
When it comes to the choice of pasta, I prefer elbow macaroni, but if you want some other type, that’s fine too. Just make sure to pick pasta like penne or pasta spirals, as these will hold so much more sauce than plain pasta like tagliatelle.
Cook the pasta in a pot filled with salted water, according to package directions.
To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients and cook until melted. During the sauce preparation, you can add in some pasta water.
This water is filled with starchy, salty goodness. Although it may look murky and cloudy, pasta water is the key to a successful sauce.
Keep in mind that pasta water is already salty, so always check the saltiness of your sauce before seasoning it with more salt.
Ingredient Substitutions
Red Robin Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish to make. Because of its simple nature, there is a ton of space for ingredient substitution and experimentation. You can make this pasta creamier, or healthier, and the sky is the limit.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is one of those ingredients I always have in my fridge – well, at least 99% of the time. That 1% when I don’t have it in my hand, I use butter as a substitute.
I use butter as a base, but I do add some cream cheese. This gives a great creamy base for the pasta.
Processed Cheese
If you are looking to substitute processed cheese, you can choose American cheese. American cheese is a form of processed cheese. It contains milk, milk fats, and whey combined with cheddar and Colby cheese. I recommend this one I found on Amazon!
This cheese has a smooth texture and rich taste. Besides American cheese, you can use young, mild cheddar cheese, which also has a creamy texture and mellow taste.
How to Serve Your Red Robin Pasta Dupe
This dish is great on its own, but for a richer and more fulfilling meal, here are some ideas:
- BBQ ribs – I swear nothing complements rich and dark BBQ ribs better than pasta.
- Meatballs – Spaghetti and meatballs are classic, but Red Robin mac and cheese and meatballs will become your next favorite.
- Plain coleslaw and salad – These creamy and cold side dishes go amazingly well with pasta. They bring some extra freshness and I love to make these for a fast dinner.
Red Robin Mac and Cheese (Copycat Recipe)
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, like elbow macaroni
- 6 oz processed cheese, shredded
- 5 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Fill up a pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. Add salt and make sure to stir it thoroughly.
3. Once the water boils, add pasta and stir well. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes.
4. In the meantime, make the sauce; combine processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Cook over low heat until melted.
5. Add in around ¼ cup of the pasta sauce into the pasta and cook until combined.
6. Drain the pasta and the cheese sauce. Season the pasta to taste with salt and stir to coat with the cheese mixture.
7. Serve pasta warm.
Red Robin Mac And Cheese (Copycat Recipe)
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
I'll teach you how to make a perfect dupe for Red Robin mac and cheese that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, like elbow macaroni
- 6 oz processed cheese, shredded
- 5oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Fill up a pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add salt and make sure to stir it thoroughly.
- Once the water boil, add pasta and stir well. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes.
- In the meantime, make the sauce; combine processed cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Cook over low heat until melted.
- Add in around ¼ cup of the pasta sauce and cook until combined.
- Drain the pasta and the cheese sauce. Season the pasta to taste with salt and stir to coat with the cheese mixture.
- Serve pasta warm.
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