Red Robin Mac and Cheese Recipe (Best Copycat)

If you want to eat at Red Robin, you should always pick their mac and cheese as a must-have side. It fits perfectly with any dish they serve.

They added this creamy mac n cheese when they first started the restaurant, and it’s been loved ever since.

If you’ve seen my other mac and cheese recipes, you already know I’m a big fan of this side.

A few days ago, I went to Red Robin for lunch and had their mac and cheese again. It tasted so good that I asked the chef for the Red Robin Mac and Cheese recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me.

Today, I’m making the same copycat Red Robin Mac n Cheese Recipe to pair with my Hawaiian chicken.

But you can serve this dish with almost anything — burgers, fries, grilled meat, or even eat it on its own. It’s simple, creamy, and full of that cheesy flavor we all crave.

Reasons To Love Red Robin Mac n Cheese

Creamy and smooth texture – It melts just right, coating each bite of pasta with cheesy flavor.

Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy or hard to find, everything’s straight from your kitchen shelf.

Tastes like restaurant-style comfort food – It gives that same flavor as the Red Robin restaurant, but homemade always hits better.

Quick to make – You can have it ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for lunch or a late-night craving.

Kid-friendly – My little ones love it! The taste is gentle, cheesy, and not spicy at all.

Perfect leftovers – It still tastes great the next day if you heat it right.

Red Robin Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni (8 oz) – The classic pick. It holds the cheese just right and gives that true mac n cheese bite. Don’t swap it if you can help it — this shape just works.
• Processed Cheese (6 oz) – This is what makes it taste like the restaurant version. Melts smooth, no clumps, no fuss. Think Velveeta or any creamy block cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese, shredded (5 oz) – Sharp and rich. Balances the creamy processed cheese and gives that real cheesy punch in every bite.
• Heavy Cream (3 tablespoons) – Just enough to make the sauce thick and silky. Adds that little extra luxury feel without being heavy.
• Pasta Water (¼ cup) – Don’t skip this. The starch in it helps pull everything together into a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Oil (2 tablespoons) – A small drizzle keeps the cheese from sticking and helps the sauce shine.
• Salt (to taste) – Just a pinch to bring out the cheese flavor. Add it slow; cheese already carries salt on its own.

Ingredients Substitutions & Variations

• Pasta Swap – No elbows? No problem. Penne, rotini, or small shells soak up the cheese just as well. Pick what’s in your pantry.
• Cheese Choice – Want a twist? Try Monterey Jack for a smooth melt or mozzarella for that stretchy pull. Mix two if you’re chasing big flavor.
• Cream Fix – Out of heavy cream? A splash of milk plus a small dab of butter makes a creamy stand-in. Works every time.
• Add-Ins – Bacon bits for crunch, a few jalapeño slices for heat, or toasted breadcrumbs on top if you want that crispy edge.
• Veggie Boost – Toss in steamed broccoli or spinach. Adds color, a little bite, and makes it feel just a bit fresher.
• Spice Kick – Love heat? Stir in a drop of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes. It turns the comfort classic into something bold.
• Extra Creamy Hack – Add a spoon of cream cheese or an extra splash of milk at the end. Makes it richer and smoother without extra work.

How To Make Red Robin Mac and Cheese Copycat

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Fill a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Heat until it starts boiling. Add your 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook until soft but not mushy. Save ¼ cup pasta water for later and drain the rest. Keep the pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In another pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over low flame. Add 6 oz processed cheese, 5 oz shredded cheddar, and 3 tbsp heavy cream. Stir slowly until everything melts together into a thick sauce.

Step 3: Add pasta water

Pour in that ¼ cup of pasta water you saved earlier. Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix pasta with sauce

Now add your cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir it well so that every piece of pasta gets covered in cheese sauce. Keep mixing for 2–3 minutes on low heat. Turn off the heat. Scoop it into a bowl, and enjoy it while it’s warm and gooey.

Tips for Best Red Robin Mac n Cheese

1. Keep the pasta just tender. Don’t let it go mushy. A soft bite holds the cheese better and keeps that real Red Robin feel.
2. Melt slow, not fast. Low heat is your best friend. It keeps the cheese smooth and stops it from turning grainy.
3. Don’t rush the stir. Mix it easy and slow — that’s how you get every noodle coated without breaking the sauce.
4. Save that pasta water. A few spoons can fix a thick sauce in seconds. It gives you that glossy, creamy finish.
5. Grate your own cheese. Bagged cheese has stuff that blocks melting. Freshly shredded melts like a dream.
6. Want more flavor? Sprinkle a touch of paprika or black pepper before serving. It wakes up the whole dish.
7. Serve it right away. Mac n cheese waits for nobody. Hot and fresh is when it tastes the best.
8. Feel like leveling up? Top it with toasted breadcrumbs or a few bacon bits for a little crunch.

What to Serve with Red Robin Mac and Cheese

If you want to turn it into a full meal, here are some combos I love:

• Grilled or roasted chicken – Juicy chicken with that cheesy pasta? Can’t go wrong. Hawaiian chicken pairs especially well.
• Crispy fries or potato wedges – Crunch meets cream. Classic and satisfying.
• Fresh salads – Something like my coleslaw recipe or a simple green salad cuts through the richness. Adds a nice balance.
• Steak or fajitas – Yep, mac and cheese with steak fajita is a comfort upgrade. The flavors just play so well together.
• Garlic bread or soft rolls – Dip it, scoop it, or eat it on the side. Extra buttery carbs always work.
• Roasted or steamed veggies – Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add color, texture, and a tiny health boost.

Mix and match, make it yours, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy, fun, and full of flavor.

Honestly, I’ve even paired it with simple grilled fish — and it still hits like a restaurant plate at home.

How to Store Leftover and Reheat

• Cool down: Let the mac and cheese cool before storing.
• Store: Keep it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It stays good for 3 days.
• Reheat (microwave): Add a spoon of milk or cream and heat for 1 minute. Stir and heat again until warm.
• Reheat (stovetop): Add a little water or milk and warm it slowly over low heat, stirring till creamy again.
• Avoid freezing: The sauce can split when frozen, so it’s better to keep it in the fridge.

Red Robin Mac and Cheese FAQs

What kind of cheese does Red Robin use for their mac and cheese?
Red Robin blends sharp cheddar with processed cheese. The cheddar adds bold flavor, while the processed cheese melts smoothly, giving that signature creamy, silky texture that sticks to every piece of pasta.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute milk with a little butter added. It keeps the sauce rich and creamy. While it’s slightly lighter, it still delivers that smooth, restaurant-style flavor in every bite.

Why add pasta water to the sauce?
Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce. It prevents separation, making the cheese sauce glossy and smooth, so every noodle is coated perfectly without clumps.

Can I bake this recipe for a crunchy top?
Yes. Pour the mac into a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. It creates a golden, slightly crisp layer on top while keeping the inside creamy.

What pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is ideal because it holds sauce well. You can also use shells or rotini, which trap the cheese in every nook, giving the same gooey, cheesy bite throughout.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheeses and cream contain no gluten. The texture and flavor remain rich and creamy, almost indistinguishable from the original version.

What can I add for more flavor?
Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or a few cooked bacon bits add depth. Even a small pinch of chili flakes or herbs can elevate the taste without overpowering the creamy cheese.

How to make the sauce extra creamy?
Slowly melt the cheese over low heat, adding a little more cream or milk if needed. Taking your time ensures the sauce stays silky and doesn’t separate.

Is Red Robin mac and cheese kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s soft, mild, and creamy. Kids love the gooey texture and cheesy flavor, and even picky eaters usually enjoy it because it’s comforting without being spicy or overpowering.