There’s something irresistibly comforting about McAlister’s Deli mac and cheese that keeps customers coming back for more. This copycat McAlister mac and cheese recipe recreates that signature creamy, three-cheese blend that made the original so beloved.
Whether you’ve been craving that distinctive deli-style taste or want to surprise your family with restaurant-quality comfort food at home, this McAlister’s mac and cheese recipe delivers the same rich, velvety texture and satisfying cheese pull you remember.
Ready in under an hour, this homemade version rivals anything you’d order at the deli counter.
What is McAlister’s Mac and Cheese and How Does It Taste?
McAlister’s mac and cheese is a premium deli-style macaroni and cheese dish that stands out from typical mac and cheese recipes. This copycat McAlister mac and cheese features a luxurious triple-cheese combination of sharp Cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and creamy Mozzarella that creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
The taste is incredibly rich and indulgent, with a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. Unlike one-note mac and cheese varieties, McAlisters deli mac and cheese offers complex, layered flavors-the sharpness of Cheddar balanced by Gruyere’s subtle sweetness and Mozzarella’s stretchy creaminess.
The golden-brown baked top adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior, while a hint of nutmeg provides unexpected warmth that elevates this comfort classic.
McAlister Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 14oz (400g) macaroni pasta
- 1 cup (115g) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup (85g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup (85g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
- 4 cups (1L) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kitchen Utensils:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium-large saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- Colander
- 12-inch (30cm) round baking dish
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Copycat McAlister Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Mozzarella cheese. Toss together and set aside-this ensures even distribution throughout your McAlister mac and cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook to al dente texture, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This prevents mushy pasta once baked. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Roux Base
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent burning and to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce
Gradually pour in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely smooth. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly-about 5-6 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Blend
Reserve about 1/4 of your cheese mixture for topping. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 of the cheese blend to the sauce, adding one handful at a time. Whisk until each addition is fully melted before adding more. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, stirring to incorporate.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. This ensures authentic McAlister’s mac and cheese flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the mac and cheese to your prepared 12-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese blend across the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Bacon Lover’s McAlister Mac and Cheese
Crisp up 6-8 strips of bacon until perfectly crunchy, then crumble and fold half into the cheese sauce during step 5, reserving the rest for topping. The smoky, salty bacon pieces add incredible depth and create a copycat McAlister mac and cheese with steakhouse appeal. This pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad.
2. Lobster Mac Supreme
Elevate this McAlisters deli mac and cheese into a luxurious entrée by folding in 1-2 cups of cooked lobster meat just before baking. The sweet lobster complements the Gruyere cheese perfectly, transforming this side dish into an impressive main course worthy of special occasions.
3. Buffalo Chicken Mac
Toss 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, then layer into your McAlister’s mac and cheese recipe before baking. Top with blue cheese crumbles alongside the cheese blend for a spicy, tangy twist that game-day guests will devour.
4. Truffle Oil Elegance
Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of white truffle oil over the finished dish for an upscale restaurant variation. The earthy truffle aroma pairs exceptionally well with the Gruyere and creates a sophisticated version perfect for dinner parties.
5. Garden Vegetable Medley
Fold in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions to add nutritional value and texture contrast. This customization makes the mac and cheese more substantial while maintaining that signature McAlister’s creamy consistency.
6. Breadcrumb Crusted Texture
Mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese topping before baking. This adds an irresistible crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath-a restaurant-quality finishing touch.
7. Perfect Pairing Suggestions
Serve this copycat McAlister mac and cheese recipe alongside BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, or as part of a Southern-style spread with cornbread and coleslaw. It also makes an excellent potluck contribution or holiday side dish that complements roasted meats perfectly.
Essential Tips for Perfect McAlister’s Mac and Cheese
1. Cheese Shredding Matters
Always shred your Cheddar, Gruyere, and Mozzarella cheeses from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can create a grainy texture in your McAlister mac and cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts into that signature silky sauce that defines this copycat recipe.
2. Temperature Control is Critical
When making your cheese sauce, maintain medium-low heat throughout the process. High heat causes the milk proteins to seize and the cheese to separate, resulting in a broken, oily sauce instead of the creamy perfection that McAlisters deli mac and cheese is known for. Patience here rewards you with restaurant-quality results.
3. Pasta Timing Prevents Mushiness
Cooking your macaroni 1-2 minutes less than package directions (al dente) is crucial because the pasta continues cooking during the 20-25 minute baking time. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much sauce, destroying the ideal sauce-to-pasta ratio in your McAlister’s mac and cheese recipe.
4. Milk Selection Impacts Richness
Whole milk creates the most authentic, creamy texture in this copycat McAlister mac and cheese recipe. While you can substitute 2% milk in a pinch, avoid skim milk entirely-it lacks the fat content necessary for a truly rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta luxuriously.
5. Nutmeg: The Secret Ingredient
Don’t skip the nutmeg in your McAlister’s mac and cheese-this subtle spice is the secret weapon that adds warmth and depth without being identifiable. It enhances the cheese flavors and provides that “something special” quality that makes people ask for your recipe. Just 1/4 teaspoon transforms the entire dish.
6. Room Temperature Cheese Melts Better
Allow your shredded cheese blend to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the sauce. Cold cheese straight from the refrigerator drops the sauce temperature too quickly and can cause clumping. Room temperature cheese incorporates smoothly, ensuring that silky McAlisters deli mac and cheese consistency.
7. Resting Time Enhances Texture
After removing your baked mac and cheese from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief waiting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier. The cheese sauce sets just enough to prevent a runny mess while maintaining that creamy, dreamy texture throughout.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover McAlister mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
McAlister Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Mozzarella cheese. Toss together and set aside-this ensures even distribution throughout your McAlister mac and cheese.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook to al dente texture, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This prevents mushy pasta once baked. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent burning and to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely smooth. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly-about 5-6 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Reserve about 1/4 of your cheese mixture for topping. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 of the cheese blend to the sauce, adding one handful at a time. Whisk until each addition is fully melted before adding more. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, stirring to incorporate.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. This ensures authentic McAlister’s mac and cheese flavor in every bite.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to your prepared 12-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese blend across the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the McAlister Mac and Cheese Recipe that people often ask.
Can I make this copycat McAlister mac and cheese recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the recipe through step 6, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. This makes it perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
What makes McAlister’s mac and cheese different from regular mac and cheese?
The signature difference is the three-cheese blend of Cheddar, Gruyere, and Mozzarella, plus the hint of nutmeg. This combination creates a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile than traditional single-cheese versions, with superior creaminess and stretch.
Can I substitute different cheeses in this McAlisters deli mac and cheese?
While the specified cheese blend creates the authentic taste, you can experiment with Fontina instead of Gruyere, or add Parmesan for extra sharpness. However, keep at least one good melting cheese like Mozzarella to maintain the creamy texture.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy or separated?
Grainy sauce typically results from either cooking at too high a temperature or using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking additives. Always use freshly shredded cheese and maintain medium-low heat when making your sauce for this McAlister mac and cheese recipe.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
Yes, but dairy-based sauces can separate slightly when frozen. Freeze unbaked mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I make this McAlister’s mac and cheese recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use 2 tablespoons cornstarch instead of 4 tablespoons flour). The rest of the recipe remains the same.
What size pasta works best for this copycat recipe?
Traditional elbow macaroni is authentic, but cavatappi, shells, or penne also work beautifully. Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves that capture and hold the creamy cheese sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
This copycat McAlister mac and cheese recipe brings the beloved deli favorite straight to your kitchen with remarkable authenticity. The triple-cheese blend creates that signature creamy, indulgent texture while the subtle nutmeg adds unexpected sophistication.
Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side dish or making it the star of your meal with added proteins, this McAlister’s mac and cheese delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The best part? You can enjoy this McAlisters deli mac and cheese classic whenever the craving strikes, customized exactly to your preferences and ready in under an hour!
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Absolute comfort food-smooth, creamy, and perfect.