If you’re a fan of comfort food, you know just how satisfying a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese can be.
One particularly delicious version is the Yard House Mac and Cheese.
Yard House, known for its extensive menu and unique flavors, offers a delightful mac and cheese that is not only mouth-watering but also unforgettable.
With a blend of rich and savory ingredients and a knack for creating memorable flavor profiles, this is one you won’t soon forget.
How to Make Yard House Mac and Cheese
Ingredients List
To create your own Yard House Mac and Cheese, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and nutmeg
- 1 pound mixed cheese, like the MAC & CHEESE Five Cheese blend from Cheese Professionals
Step-by-step process
Step 1. Cook the pasta:
Boil a pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2. Create a roux:
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Slowly whisk in the all-purpose flour until a smooth paste is formed.
Step 3. Add spices:
Incorporate the paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and nutmeg into the roux.
Step 4. Mix in milk and cream:
Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the saucepan, whisking constantly to combine well with the roux mixture.
Maintain a gentle simmer and let the mixture thicken, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
Step 5. Add the cheese:
Add the MAC & CHEESE Five Cheese blend from Cheese Professionals (or your chosen mixed cheeses) to the saucepan.
Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and has a smooth consistency.
Step 6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce:
Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7. Serve:
Dish up the Yard House Mac and Cheese into bowls or plates, and enjoy your homemade version of this popular restaurant meal.
Side Dishes for Yard House Mac and Cheese
Yard House Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food loved by many.
To complement these delicious meals, consider pairing them with some of the following side dishes:
Green Salads
A simple green salad can help balance the richness of mac and cheese with its light, crisp textures and flavors.
Customize your salad with a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Top it off with a light dressing of your choice.
Sautéed Vegetables
Sautéed vegetables are another great side dish to pair with Yard House Mac and Cheese.
You can choose from colorful, nutrient-rich veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli.
Sauté them in a little olive oil, with some garlic and herbs, to enhance their flavors.
How to Store Yard House Mac and Cheese
When it comes to storing your homemade Yard HouseMac and Cheese, there are a few methods to ensure that your delicious dish remains fresh and tasty.
This section will cover some practical storage tips that will help you savor your Mac and Cheese for a longer period.
Before storing your Yard House Mac and Cheese, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature.
Avoid placing the hot dish in the refrigerator or freezer, as it might lower the overall temperature of the appliance and affect other food items stored inside.
Storing in a casserole dish
If your Mac and Cheese was prepared in a casserole dish, you can opt to store it in the same container.
Make sure it has an airtight lid.
If it doesn’t, cover it securely with aluminum foil.
Once properly covered, refrigerate the Mac and Cheese for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Yard House Mac and Cheese:
Overcooking Pasta
Cooking your pasta to perfection is essential for a delectable dish.
Boil your pound of pasta only until it’s al dente.
Overcooked pasta turns mushy and won’t hold onto your cheesy goodness properly.
If cooked just right, the pasta should have a slight bite to it, ensuring an enjoyable texture when paired with the creamy sauce.
Rushing the Roux
Your roux, a mixture of equal parts flour and butter, is crucial for properly thickening your sauce.
Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes with a wooden spoon to avoid a grainy-textured sauce.
Being hasty in this stage may lead to your dish lacking the desired creamy consistency.
Skimping on Cheese
Mac and cheese is all about cheesy goodness.
Don’t hold back on using the right amount of cheese, as it affects both the taste and consistency.
Listen to your taste buds and use an ample amount to ensure a rich, satisfying flavor.
