This Easy Copycat Bob Evans Mac And Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, just like the original. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it’s quick to make and loved by kids and adults alike.
This Bob Evans Mac and Cheese copycat recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, just like the original. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it’s quick to make and loved by kids and adults alike.
This Bob Evans Mac and Cheese copycat recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, replicating the classic comfort food flavor perfectly.
Quick to prepare and family-approved, it makes an ideal side dish or a hearty main course.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Creamy and Cheesy: Every bite is rich, smooth, and packed with cheese flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Kid-Approved: A comfort food favorite that both kids and adults love.
- Customizable: Add bacon, breadcrumbs, or your favorite spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any cozy meal.
Bob Evans Mac And Cheese Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni – Tender pasta perfect for creamy cheese sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Rich, melty, and full-flavored cheese
- Milk – Adds creaminess and smooth texture to sauce
- Butter – Provides richness and enhances cheesy flavor
- All-purpose flour – Thickens sauce for perfect consistency
- Salt – Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors
- Black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth
- Paprika – Optional spice for color and subtle warmth
- Garlic powder – Adds savory depth to the cheesy sauce
- Onion powder – Enhances flavor with subtle aromatic sweetness
How To Make Bob Evans Mac And Cheese
Step 1: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter, and flour until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cooked macaroni and pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30–45 minutes to prevent sticking. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Easy Copycat Bob Evans Mac And Cheese Recipe Tips
- Use sharp cheddar – Aged or sharp cheddar gives the best flavor that’s close to Bob Evans’ mac and cheese.
- Cook pasta al dente – Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the creamy sauce better without turning mushy.
- Low and slow in the crockpot – Cooking on low prevents the cheese from separating and keeps it creamy.
- Stir occasionally – Gently stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking or scorching.
- Add extra cheese at the end – Sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar before serving for that ooey-gooey finish.
- Optional mix-ins – Crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or a pinch of paprika can add extra flavor.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days and can be reheated when ready to enjoy.
- Freezing: Place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. In the microwave, heat in 30–60 second intervals, stirring between, until thoroughly warmed.
Easy Copycat Bob Evans Mac And Cheese Recipe Faqs
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely. Cheddar is classic, but mixing in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of mozzarella can add extra creaminess and flavor.
How can I make it extra creamy? Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, and avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it soft and creamy.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese? You can freeze it, but it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing to avoid mushy noodles upon reheating.
Can I add extras like bacon or vegetables? Yes! Crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions for extra flavor and texture.
More Copycat Bob Evan’s Recipe
Bob Evans Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bowls Recipe
Copycat Bob Evans Colonial Dressing Recipe
Bob Evans Style Buttermilk Biscuits
Bob Evans Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Copycat Bob Evan’s Cheddar Baked Potato Soup
Bob Evan’s Mushroom and Onion Chopped Steak Recipe
Bob Evan’s Fried Chicken Copycat Recipe
Bob Evans Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Bob Evan’s Chicken Pot Pie Copycat Recipe
Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe
Bob Evan’s Country-Fried Steak Recipe
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Easy Copycat Bob Evans Mac And Cheese Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni,
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese,
- 2 cups whole milk,
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1 cup cooked macaroni, par-cooked or leftover
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Cook 1–2 minutes until lightly bubbling.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until the cheese melts completely.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the crockpot. Add the par-cooked macaroni and stir gently to coat all noodles.
- Cover and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even coating.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir.
- Once pasta is tender and creamy, serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra shredded cheese for an extra melty finish.
Equipment
- Crockpot, or Slow Cooker
- Ladle
Nutrition
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