Hey, Welcome to the TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe. TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, restaurant-style pasta loaded with rich flavor and a perfectly smooth sauce.
I absolutely love recreating restaurant favorites at home, and this one is always a hit in my kitchen.
If you’re anything like me, you want that same ultra-creamy, cheesy comfort without leaving your house.
So today, I’m going to show you exactly how you can make this indulgent mac and cheese right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Dish
History and Origin
Mac and cheese has been a beloved comfort food in the United States for generations.
Restaurants like TGI Fridays made it even more popular by turning it into a rich, indulgent entrée that feels both nostalgic and gourmet.
What does it taste like?
This mac and cheese tastes incredibly creamy, buttery, and full of bold cheddar flavor.
You get that smooth, velvety cheese sauce coating every bite of pasta, with just the right balance of saltiness and richness.
By the way, you can also try the Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Breadcrumbs (optional topping) | ½ cup |
Equipments
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish (if baking)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to make TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Mix until fully melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated evenly.
Step 6: Optional Baking
If you like a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until golden.
Recipe Card
TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Mix until fully melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated evenly.
- If you like a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until golden.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe hot and fresh with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
You can also pair it with grilled chicken or ribs for a full restaurant-style meal at home.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers of TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Pro Tips for Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese
If you truly want that restaurant-style texture, I always recommend shredding your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded packs.
Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and gives you that silky sauce you love. Also, keep the heat low when adding cheese so it doesn’t turn grainy.
How to Make It Even More Flavorful
When I want to boost the flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
You can also stir in crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for a bold twist. Small additions like these make your mac and cheese taste even more gourmet.
Best Cheese Combinations to Try
While cheddar and Monterey Jack create a classic flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan.
I like mixing at least two or three cheeses for a deeper, more complex taste. It’s a simple trick that makes your homemade version taste just like your favorite restaurant dish.
How to Get the Perfect Baked Topping
If you love that golden, crunchy top layer, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them over the pasta.
I sometimes add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for extra crispiness. Bake just until golden brown, so it stays creamy underneath.
Making It Kid-Friendly
If you’re cooking for kids, you can keep the seasoning mild and skip stronger cheeses.
I’ve found that sticking to cheddar and a touch of cream cheese keeps it smooth and familiar. You can even mix in tiny broccoli florets for a hidden veggie boost.
Conclusion
Now you don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Recipe.
I promise, once you make this at home, you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.
With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap in mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Gouda for a different flavor twist.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it before serving.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Add a little milk while reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What pasta works best for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni works best because it holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
You will also like the Cracker Barrel Potato Soup Recipe.
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