We’ve always been fans of the iconic Yard House Mac N Cheese, that gooey comfort classic straight from their menu. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheese and tender pasta that turns a simple dish into something irresistible, drawing crowds to this popular chain for years.
Ingredients
In our adaptation of the beloved Yard House Mac N Cheese recipe, we focus on high-quality ingredients that deliver the creamy, comforting texture customers crave. We’ve ordered them here as they appear in the preparation process, with specific prep notes for accuracy.
- Pasta: 1 pound of elbow macaroni, cooked al dente for the perfect tender base that absorbs the cheese sauce.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted in a saucepan to start the roux and add rich flavor.
- Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose flour, whisked into the melted butter to thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk, warmed to create a smooth, velvety consistency in the cheese sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, freshly grated for optimal melting and that signature tangy taste Yard House Mac N Cheese is known for.
- Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup shredded Gruyere, added for a nutty depth that elevates the dish’s appeal.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, combined to enhance flavors right before mixing with the pasta.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted for a crispy topping that provides contrast to the creamy interior.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our delectable Yard House Mac N Cheese, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. These items help us achieve the creamy texture and crispy topping that make this dish a standout favorite. Let’s break them down by category for clarity.
Basic Cooking Essentials
- Large stockpot: We use this for boiling the elbow macaroni to al dente perfection, ensuring even cooking without overflow.
- Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy and maintaining its tender consistency.
- Medium saucepan: This is key for creating the rich cheese sauce, allowing us to whisk ingredients smoothly over heat.
Mixing and Measuring Tools
- Whisk: We rely on a sturdy whisk to blend the flour, butter, and milk into a lump-free roux, which forms the base of our creamy sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe—use a set of dry and liquid cups along with spoons to portion out ingredients like 4 cups of whole milk or 1 teaspoon of seasonings precisely.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring the cheese mixture and folding in pasta, as it withstands high heat without scratching pots.
Baking and Finishing Tools
- 9×13 inch baking dish: We recommend a glass or ceramic dish for baking the assembled mac and cheese, providing even heat distribution to achieve a golden, crispy panko topping.
- Oven thermometer: If precision is our goal, this tool ensures the oven is at the exact 350°F needed for baking, helping avoid overcooking.
- Box grater: Great for shredding blocks of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese fresh, which enhances flavor and meltability compared to pre-shredded options.
For tools involving specific sizes or quantities, here’s a quick reference table to guide our selection:
| Tool | Recommended Size/Detail | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Stockpot | 8-quart capacity | Boils pasta for 8-10 servings |
| Saucepan | 2-quart capacity | Prepares sauce without spillage |
| Baking dish | 9×13 inches | Bakes the dish evenly |
| Measuring cups | 1-cup and 2-cup sets | Measures liquids like milk accurately |
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from gathering ingredients to executing the steps for our Yard House Mac N Cheese masterpiece.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting our take on the Yard House Mac N Cheese with simple, precise steps that deliver that signature creamy indulgence every time. Let’s transform those high-quality ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we dive in, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything flows smoothly. Start by measuring out 1 pound of elbow macaroni and set it aside. Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Gruyere cheese using a box grater for that melty texture we love. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and measure 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Warm 2 cups of whole milk to room temperature and gather seasonings like 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for added depth. Toast 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden, then set aside for the crispy topping. This preparation step sets the stage for a seamless cooking process.
Cook the Pasta
We begin by cooking the pasta to al dente perfection as the base of our Yard House Mac N Cheese. Bring a large stockpot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Add the 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions for about 7-8 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it retains that ideal bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Now we create the heart of our Yard House Mac N Cheese—the rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every noodle. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and fragrant, forming a smooth base. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses along with the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until fully melted and glossy. This sauce delivers that irresistible, gooey indulgence that makes our mac n cheese stand out.
Assemble the Dish
With our components ready, we assemble the dish to build layers of flavor and texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the warm cheese sauce, tossing gently until every piece is evenly coated in that decadent blend. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy contrast that elevates the creamy base. This step ensures our Yard House Mac N Cheese has the perfect balance of soft and crunchy elements for a satisfying bite.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Finally, we bake our assembled dish to achieve that golden, bubbly finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the baking dish on the middle rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, releasing an aroma that’s impossible to resist. If you want an extra-crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to prevent burning. This baking process locks in the flavors, giving you a homemade version of the Yard House classic that’s warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Yard House Mac N Cheese is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it in advance to save time while preserving that creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy topping. Below, we outline the key steps to make ahead, store, and reheat this comforting dish effectively.
Preparing in Advance
To streamline your cooking process, we recommend prepping components ahead of time:
- Cook the pasta early: Boil the elbow macaroni to al dente as described in our step-by-step instructions, then drain and toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Make the cheese sauce: Prepare the roux, add milk, and incorporate the sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to create the sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This ensures the sauce retains its rich, velvety texture.
- Assemble the dish: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in your 9×13 inch baking dish, but hold off on adding the toasted panko breadcrumbs. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the dish’s signature flavors and prevent sogginess:
- Refrigerator storage: If fully assembled but unbaked, store in the fridge for up to 2 days. For baked Yard House Mac N Cheese, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer storage: Freeze the unbaked assembled dish for up to 2 months. Wrap the baking dish securely with freezer-safe foil, or divide into portions for easier reheating. Avoid freezing after baking, as it can compromise the crispy topping.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (unbaked) | Up to 2 days | Assembled dish readiness |
| Refrigerator (baked) | Up to 3 days | Quick meals |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Long-term convenience |
Reheating Guidelines
When you’re ready to enjoy our Yard Yard Mac N Cheese, follow these steps for optimal results:
- From the refrigerator (unbaked): Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the toasted panko breadcrumbs, then bake as per the original instructions, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time for a golden, bubbly finish.
- From the refrigerator (baked): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
- From the freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the reheating steps above. If reheating directly from frozen, add 15-20 minutes to the total baking time and cover initially to ensure even heating.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Yard House Mac N Cheese remains a crowd-pleasing favorite with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into this Yard House Mac N Cheese recipe and know you’ll find it just as irresistible. It’s a simple way to bring restaurant-quality comfort to your table, letting you customize flavors that suit your crew.
With these steps, you’re set to impress at gatherings or weeknight dinners, so go ahead and make it your own—we’re sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yard House Mac N Cheese?
Yard House Mac N Cheese is a popular, comforting dish featuring creamy cheese sauce mixed with tender pasta, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. It’s a favorite at the Yard House restaurant chain, known for its rich flavors from cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyere, making it a go-to comfort food that draws crowds.
What are the key ingredients in Yard House Mac N Cheese?
The main ingredients include elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, seasonings, and toasted panko breadcrumbs. These high-quality components create a creamy texture and signature flavor, with cheeses providing richness and breadcrumbs adding a crispy topping for the perfect balance.
What tools and equipment are needed to make Yard House Mac N Cheese?
Essential tools include a large stockpot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for mixing, measuring cups and spoons, a wooden spoon or spatula, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and an oven thermometer. These help ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce and a golden finish.
How do I prepare Yard House Mac N Cheese step by step?
Start by cooking elbow macaroni to al dente. Make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk and cheeses for a creamy sauce. Combine the pasta and sauce, top with toasted panko breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. Aim for even mixing and precise baking for the best results.
Can I make Yard House Mac N Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze unbaked portions. This allows flexibility for busy schedules while maintaining flavor and texture when baked fresh.
How do I reheat Yard House Mac N Cheese?
For unbaked versions, bake from refrigerated at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. For baked leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for crispiness. Use low heat to prevent drying out and keep the creamy consistency intact.
Why is Yard House Mac N Cheese so popular?
It’s beloved for its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with a crispy topping, offering ultimate comfort. The dish uses high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and Gruyere for rich flavor, and its simple yet customizable nature makes it a hit at restaurants and home kitchens alike.