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If you crave a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, let me introduce you to the Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe — a creamy, rich take on classic mac and cheese that brings the upscale steakhouse flavor right to your home kitchen. This version features a tantalizing blend of camembert, provolone, and parmesan cheeses melted into a silky sauce, coating tender campanelle pasta that bakes up with a golden, crispy topping. It’s the kind of mac and cheese that can steal the show at any dinner table, making every bite a savory, luscious delight you’ll want to relive again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe is in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a luxuriously smooth sauce with just the right balance of flavors and textures. From the pasta shape that traps the cheese sauce perfectly to the blend of cheeses that gives it that rich, melty goodness, every component counts.
- ½ lb campanelle pasta: This uniquely shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully with its ruffled edges and hollow center.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky base for the roux and ensures a creamy texture.
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce without lumps.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory aroma that complements the cheeses perfectly.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Gives the sauce richness and an irresistible velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream for a smoother sauce consistency.
- Sea salt & black pepper (to taste): Vital for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- 3 oz camembert cheese: Infuses a creamy, slightly earthy note that elevates the cheese blend.
- 3 oz provolone: Melts beautifully to add stretch and mild sharpness.
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish, especially when sprinkled on top.
- 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts gorgeously with the creamy mac.
How to Make Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then, cook your campanelle pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. It’s important not to overcook, as the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. After draining it, set it aside and enjoy that moment when you realize you’re one step closer to cheesy heaven.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Sauce
In a large sauce pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal here is to eliminate the raw flour taste without letting it brown — this forms the foundation of your luscious cheese sauce. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, carefully stirring to avoid lumps. Season with sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until it thickens beautifully, about 5 to 6 minutes—a perfect consistency that promises a creamy, cozy bite.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Combine with Pasta
Lower the heat and blend the camembert and provolone cheeses into your sauce. Watch as they melt into a dreamy, rich mixture that hugs every nook and cranny of the campanelle pasta. Stir gently to evenly coat all the pasta pieces in the cheesy goodness that defines this Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish. Now for that signature crust — sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The result? A bubbling, golden mac and cheese with a crunchy, flavorful crust that adds that perfect contrast to the creamy interior.
How to Serve Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe from amazing to unforgettable. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add smoky depth, complementing the cheese’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with hearty sides. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted or grilled vegetables add lovely textures and flavors that balance the dish. For a heartier meal, serve alongside medium-rare steak or garlic buttered shrimp for that full steakhouse vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or jazz up a family dinner, try serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can also mix in crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions before baking for an unexpected, delightful twist. Presentation here can be as fun as the flavors themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. Avoid freezing after baking if you want to keep the breadcrumb topping crisp.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325ºF until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy breadcrumb crust. If using a microwave, cover loosely and stir halfway to heat evenly, though the crust might soften.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While campanelle is perfect for catching sauce, elbow macaroni or cavatappi are great substitutes if you have them on hand.
What cheeses can I swap if I don’t have camembert or provolone?
Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella can be delicious alternatives that melt well and complement the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the recipe itself is vegetarian as long as you use cheese made without animal rennet. Just double-check your cheese labels to be sure.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for flavor and texture, but you could experiment with plant-based creams and cheese alternatives, though the final taste will differ.
How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top. This small step adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe is truly a celebration of everything that makes mac and cheese irresistible: creamy, cheesy, comforting, and with a bit of crunch on top. Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece of your meal or a decadent side dish, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor that unforgettable blend of flavors in every bite.
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Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Steakhouse Mac & Cheese is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring campanelle pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce made with camembert, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Infused with aromatic onion and garlic powders and topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this comforting recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, ideal for a hearty dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ lb campanelle pasta
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Topping
- 3 oz camembert cheese
- 3 oz provolone cheese
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the campanelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux and sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture does not brown. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then season with sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Simmer and thicken the sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and melt the camembert and provolone cheeses into the sauce, stirring until smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked campanelle pasta into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top to form a crispy crust.
- Bake the mac and cheese: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures at their best.
Notes
- You can substitute campanelle pasta with other similar shapes like cavatappi or elbow macaroni if unavailable.
- For a sharper flavor, consider adding a bit of sharp cheddar cheese alongside the provolone and camembert.
- To enhance crumb topping flavor, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a pan with a little butter before sprinkling.
- Ensure not to brown the roux to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
