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Make this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe your go-to for comfort food cravings! It’s super easy but just as rich and cheesy as the restaurant version.
With only 8 ingredients, you really have no reason not to make this copycat Cracker Barrel mac and cheese.
This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and cheesy, and the crispy bits on top make it even better.
Serve it as a side or main. Either way, you’ll want to refill your plate.
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Don’t stop at this Cracker Barrel mac n cheese recipe! Try the viral TikTok mac and cheese and skillet bacon mac and cheese for more melty, gooey indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
- You only need 8 simple ingredients for this Cracker Barrel restaurant mac and cheese recipe, and it tastes just like the real thing! No artificial cheese flavors here.
- This is the best mac n cheese recipe for the holidays, whether you’re serving it as a main or a side. It’s satisfying either way.
- Featuring a rich and creamy cheese sauce hugging al dente elbows, this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese makes a fantastic base for add-ins and extras!
Ingredients
Al dente elbow macaroni – Any pasta that catches and holds the cheese sauce works perfectly!
Salted butter and all-purpose flour – For the roux that will thicken the sauce.
Whole milk – This comforting Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe is extra creamy and dreamy, thanks to whole milk. When it comes to the cheesy sauce, don’t skimp on the fat!
Colby Jack cheese – Shredded Colby cheese is the best cheese to make this copycat version taste just like Cracker Barrel mac n cheese.
Salt and black pepper – We’re keeping our seasonings simple, but you can always add depth to your copycat Cracker Barrel restaurant macaroni and cheese with cayenne pepper or garlic powder.
Parsley – Lends a pop of freshness and color.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Sharp cheddar cheese
Add your own spin to this restaurant mac and cheese recipe and use your favorite cheese! You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar cheese, but pepper jack and Havarti are also great options for a luscious cheese sauce.
Heavy cream
Make this Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese extra decadent by using heavy cream instead of milk!
Crunchy toppings
Here’s a tip to make this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese even better: add a crispy topping of crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Skip the Pre-Shredded Cheese
Shred your own cheese for this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Stir Often
Add the milk to the roux gradually, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth and creamy!
Avoid Mushy Pasta
Cook the pasta to al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Some even swear by undercooking the elbows by a minute!
Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs
What can I add to Cracker Barrel mac n cheese?
Turn this copycat dish into a loaded mac and cheese recipe! You can add proteins like shredded chicken, bacon bits, or ground beef. Broccoli, bell peppers, and caramelized onions are also a delicious way to bulk up the mac n cheese.
What kind of cheese is best in this mac n cheese recipe?
This Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe uses Colby cheese, so we can get a dish that tastes as close to the real thing as possible. But of course, you can’t go wrong with classic choices like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère, especially when making mac and cheese for a crowd.
How to stop my copycat Cracker Barrel mac and cheese from burning?
If your cheese sauce is burning, you might not be stirring enough! Keep the heat at medium, and scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir with a wooden spatula.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Undercooking the roux and using pre-shredded cheese when making this Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese can lead to a grainy cheese sauce. Additionally, make sure to stir constantly so the cheese melts completely!
How to store Cracker Barrel copycat mac and cheese?
You can make this copycat Cracker Barrel mac and cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to make it creamy again. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes
- Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
I found this recipe for Chicken and Dumplings that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- Salt to taste (+ extra for cooking the pasta)
- Black pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients for your mac and cheese.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, season with salt and pepper, then stir and cook the roux for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly add the milk a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens. Keep stirring so it does not burn on the bottom.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Broil for about 4 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your copycat Cracker Barrel mac and cheese!
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
- Add the milk to the roux gradually, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth and creamy!
- Cook the pasta to al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Some even swear by undercooking the elbows by a minute!
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
