Arby’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

Are you craving the comfort and deliciousness of Arby’s Mac and Cheese?

Look no further because I have the perfect recipe to try at home!

With its rich, creamy texture and mouthwatering blend of cheeses, this dish is a favorite among comfort food enthusiasts.

It’s not only scrumptious; it’s also surprisingly simple to make.

In just about 35 minutes, you can recreate this Arby’s classic using a few essential ingredients.

How to Make Arby’s Mac and Cheese

Ingredients List

To make Arby’s Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, to taste)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
• Additional cheese offerings (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the roux

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add milk and seasonings

Slowly pour the milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumping.

Add the onion powder, white pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and hot sauce (if desired) to the saucepan.

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring constantly.

Lower the heat and let it simmer, continually stirring, until the sauce thickens.

This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add the cream and cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.

Gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine the pasta and sauce

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese mixture once all the cheese has melted and you’ve achieved your desired sauce consistency.

Stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Optional: You may add more cheese offerings for a more decadent mac and cheese.

Now you have successfully replicated Arby’s Mac and Cheese recipe. Enjoy your homemade cheesy goodness!

Side Dishes for Arby’s Mac and Cheese

When enjoying Arby’s Mac and Cheese, it’s important to consider side dishes that complement the flavors and textures.

The following list highlights some delicious options to enhance your mac and cheese experience.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Combining the creamy decadence of Arby’s Mac and Cheese with a light, fresh option like shaved Brussels sprouts will create a balanced meal.

These sprouts can be quickly sautéed or served raw in a salad to contrast texture and flavor.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or sweet potatoes are a great addition to any meal.

The natural sweetness of these roasted veggies pairs well with the savory, cheesy flavor of Arby’s Mac and Cheese.

Crispy Bacon Pieces

Arby’s Mac and Cheese wouldn’t be complete without crumbled, cooked bacon.

The saltiness and slight crunch of the bacon pieces complement the rich, smooth cheese sauce.

You can add them directly to the mac and cheese or serve them on the side as a topping.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Consider pairing Arby’s Mac and Cheese with BBQ pulled pork from your favorite local restaurant for a heartier option.

The tangy, smoky flavor of pulled pork contrasts well with the creamy mac and cheese, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.

Buffalo Chicken Strips

Buffalo chicken strips bring a little heat to the table, offering a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy goodness of Arby’s Mac and Cheese.

Many restaurants offer this dish, and you’ll likely find a version that pairs beautifully with mac and cheese.

In conclusion, these side dishes will help elevate your Arby’s Mac and Cheese experience.

Whether you’re in the mood for something lighter like shaved Brussels sprouts or roast vegetables, or you want a bolder option like crispy bacon pieces, or BBQ pulled pork, you’re sure to find the perfect side dish to complement your meal. 

Ingredients Substitutes

In case you can’t find the exact ingredients for Arby’s mac and cheese recipe or simply want to put a spin on it, you can use substitutes:

Type of Pasta

Elbow macaroni is the preferred choice for Arby’s mac and cheese recipe, but you can also experiment with different pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

Remember to always keep Arby’s mac and cheese flavor profile in mind and make ingredient substitutions that complement the dish and enhance its overall taste.

Happy experimenting with your mac and cheese recipe!

How to Store Arby’s Mac and Cheese

Properly storing Arby’s Mac and Cheese is essential to retain its taste, texture, and freshness. Following these storage methods and enjoying delicious homemade comfort food for several days is easy.

Before storing, ensure that the mac and cheese have thoroughly cooled down.

It should feel warm but not hot, as placing hot food in a container could cause condensation, affecting the dish’s quality.

Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container.

This is important as it prevents the exchange of odors between food items and minimizes the risk of contamination.

If you notice any dry or hardened surfaces, mix them gently and sprinkle cool water.

This helps ensure the mac and cheese does not dry out further when reheated.

Here are two main storage methods with their respective descriptions:

Refrigeration

Refrigerating mac and cheese is the most widely used storage technique.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days when placed in an airtight container.

Ensure that the time spent in the fridge is kept within these limits for optimum taste and food safety.

Freezing

Freezing mac and cheese is a good option if you wish to store it for a longer duration.

Place the airtight container in a freezer-safe bag, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer.

It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.

Remember to thoroughly thaw the mac and cheese in the refrigerator before reheating.

Incorporating these methods in your process ensures that your Arby’s Mac and Cheese remains fresh, tasty, and ready to enjoy even after a day or two!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Arby’s Mac and Cheese.

Not Using a Roux

Using a roux is essential for a stable cheese sauce.

A roux consists of equal parts flour and butter cooked together, ensuring your cheese sauce doesn’t curdle during cooking.

So, don’t skip this step while preparing Arby’s mac and cheese.

Skimping on Cheese

As a cheese lover, you should be generous with the amount of cheese in your mac and cheese.

Not having enough cheese in the recipe may result in a less satisfying dish.

Remember, the essence of mac and cheese lies in its cheesy goodness, so don’t shy away from adding more cheese.

Rushing the Cooking Process

It can be tempting to speed up the process, but this might lead to undercooked pasta or a lumpy cheese sauce.

To avoid this, cook your macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook while combined with the cheese sauce.

Also, gradually melt your cheese, incorporating it into the bechamel sauce for a smooth, creamy texture.

Skipping Cheese Varieties

Although the original Arby’s mac and cheese recipe calls for American cheese, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheese varieties to suit your taste buds.

Combining different types of cheese can add depth and richness to your mac and cheese, making it even more delightful.