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Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

You can't beat this macaroni and cheese it takes just like the Longhorn Steakhouse's version.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 468 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 ounces gruyere cheese shredded
  • 8 ounces white Cheddar shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 4 ounces Fontina cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon smoked Paprika
  • 4 pieces bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare pasta according to the package directions. Heat together in a large saucepan 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour over medium heat. Cook until the roux becomes fragrant. 
  2. Add 1/2 cup of half and half and stir until sauce thickens. Add 1/2 cup of half and half when the sauce thickens, and then add final 1 cup of half and half and stir until the sauce becomes thick. Add cheeses to sauce slowly stirring until the cheese is blended. Sprinkle in smoked paprika. 
  3. Mix pasta and sauce, and pour into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Top macaroni and cheese with crumbled bacon and panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until panko breadcrumbs begins to brown.

Notes

  • Grate cheese fresh - pre-shredded won't melt properly
  • Bring half and half to room temperature
  • Don't overcook the pasta - it continues cooking in the oven
  • Let cheese come to room temperature
  • Use block cheese and grate it yourself
  • Don't skip the smoked paprika - it's key to the signature flavor

Nutrition Information

Calories 468kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 39g (13%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Cholesterol 73mg (24%) Sodium 389mg (16%) Potassium 226mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 730IU (15%) Vitamin C 0.4mg (0%) Calcium 361mg (36%) Iron 1.1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 468

% Daily Value*

Calories 468kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 39g 13%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 73mg 24%
Sodium 389mg 16%
Potassium 226mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 730IU 15%
Vitamin C 0.4mg 0%
Calcium 361mg 36%
Iron 1.1mg 6%

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