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–+ servings
applebee's mac and cheese recipe
Lily Brooks

Applebee's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recreate Applebee's iconic mac and cheese with this foolproof three-cheese blend recipe, delivering rich, creamy comfort food right from your kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 6 oz Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 4 oz American cheese cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes short of package directions, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, then add cream. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, add American cheese first, then Monterey Jack, then cheddar, stirring after each addition until smooth.
  5. Whisk in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and white pepper. Stir in pasta. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  6. Mix panko with melted butter and Parmesan. Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 22gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best meltability. Add roasted cauliflower for extra nutrition or Greek yogurt for protein boost. Avoid overbaking to preserve creaminess.

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