Copycat Applebee's 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon

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  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    8

  • Calories

    630 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    American

Copycat Applebee's 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Recreate Applebee's famous 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese at home with this spot-on copycat recipe featuring a blend of five cheeses, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs for restaurant-quality comfort food.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound dry penne pasta
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup White Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded orange cheddar cheese for garnish
  • 4 trips Bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
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Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and penne pasta. Cook until al dente according to the package directions (usually 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan, Asiago, Monterey Jack, and white Cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the prepared pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt if desired. Cheeses contain varying levels of salt, so adding salt too early may make your sauce too salty.
  6. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and top with the shredded Cheddar, crispy bacon, and parsley.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 630kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 22g (110%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 107mg (36%) Sodium 486mg (20%) Potassium 299mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1245IU (25%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 403mg (40%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 630 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 630kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 22g 110%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 486mg 20%
Potassium 299mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1245IU 25%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 403mg 40%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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