How to Make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese Taste Homemade (With a Secret Ingredient!)

How to Make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese Taste Homemade

Bob Evans is a popular restaurant chain that is known for its delicious mac and cheese. However, you can easily make your own version of this dish at home that tastes just as good, if not better! This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Bob Evans mac and cheese taste homemade. So, whether you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal or you’re just looking for a way to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
3. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the saucepan and whisk to combine.
5. Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Drain the macaroni and add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
9. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the bacon and green onions on top.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Amount Instructions
1 pound elbow macaroni 16 ounces Cook according to package directions.
1/2 cup butter 1 stick Melt in a large saucepan over medium heat.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 stick Whisk into the melted butter until smooth.
2 cups milk 1 pint Gradually whisk into the butter-flour mixture.
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 stick Add to the saucepan and stir until melted.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 stick Add to the saucepan and stir until melted.
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon Add to the saucepan and stir.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon Add to the saucepan and stir.
1/2 cup heavy cream 1 stick Add to the saucepan and stir.
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 stick Add to the saucepan and stir until melted.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 stick Add to the saucepan and stir until melted.
1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 stick Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 stick Drizzle over the bread crumbs.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Start with a good quality macaroni.

The first step to making Bob Evans mac and cheese taste homemade is to start with a good quality macaroni. The type of macaroni you use will make a big difference in the final taste of the dish. Bob Evans uses a thick, hearty macaroni that is perfect for their mac and cheese. If you can’t find Bob Evans macaroni, look for a similar type of macaroni that is made with semolina flour. Semolina flour is a type of flour that is made from durum wheat, and it gives macaroni a chewy texture that is perfect for mac and cheese.

Once you have chosen a good quality macaroni, you need to cook it according to the package directions. Be sure not to overcook the macaroni, as this will make it mushy.

Use a homemade cheese sauce.

The next important step to making Bob Evans mac and cheese taste homemade is to use a homemade cheese sauce. The cheese sauce that Bob Evans uses is made with a combination of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk. The cheese is melted together slowly over low heat until it is smooth and creamy.

You can make your own cheese sauce by melting together equal parts cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan over low heat. Slowly add milk to the cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

If you don’t have time to make your own cheese sauce, you can use a store-bought cheese sauce. However, be sure to choose a cheese sauce that is made with real cheese. Many store-bought cheese sauces are made with processed cheese, which will not give your mac and cheese the same rich, creamy flavor as a homemade cheese sauce.

Add other ingredients to your mac and cheese.

In addition to the basic ingredients of macaroni, cheese sauce, and milk, you can also add other ingredients to your mac and cheese to give it more flavor and texture. Some popular additions include:

  • Bacon: Chopped bacon adds a smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to mac and cheese.
  • Broccoli: Broccoli is a healthy and nutritious addition to mac and cheese. It also adds a bit of color and texture.
  • Onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor to mac and cheese.
  • Peppers: Peppers add a bit of heat and color to mac and cheese.
  • Meat: Cooked chicken, ham, or sausage can be added to mac and cheese for a protein boost.

Bake your mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown.

Once you have added all of your desired ingredients to the mac and cheese, you need to bake it until it is bubbly and golden brown. To do this, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

By following these tips, you can make Bob Evans mac and cheese taste homemade. With a good quality macaroni, a homemade cheese sauce, and some added ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that the whole family will love.

3. Add your own personal touches.

The Bob Evans mac and cheese is a delicious and hearty dish, but it can also be a bit bland. If you want to make it taste more homemade, there are a few things you can do to add your own personal touches.

One way to do this is to add some additional spices or herbs to the dish. For example, you could add some cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or thyme. You could also add some vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.

Another way to make the Bob Evans mac and cheese taste more homemade is to use different types of cheese. Instead of using just cheddar cheese, you could also use mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyre. You could also mix and match different types of cheese to create a unique flavor combination.

Finally, you can also add some additional ingredients to the dish to make it more interesting. For example, you could add some bacon, ham, or sausage. You could also add some nuts, such as almonds or pecans.

By adding your own personal touches to the Bob Evans mac and cheese, you can create a dish that is both delicious and unique.

4. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

The final step in making the Bob Evans mac and cheese is to bake it until it is bubbly and golden brown. This will help to set the cheese and create a delicious, crispy crust.

To bake the mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Once the mac and cheese is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

The Bob Evans mac and cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. By following these tips, you can easily make it taste more homemade and enjoy it even more.

Here are a few additional tips for making the Bob Evans mac and cheese:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta. The pasta should be cooked al dente, so that it still has a little bit of a bite to it.
  • Don’t skimp on the cheese. The cheese is the star of the show, so make sure to use plenty of it.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown. This will help to set the cheese and create a delicious, crispy crust.

With these tips, you can easily make the Bob Evans mac and cheese taste even better than it does at the restaurant. So next time you’re craving a delicious and comforting meal, give this recipe a try!

Q: How do I make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese taste homemade?

A: To make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese taste homemade, you can use the following tips:

  • Use a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Add a bit of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to give the dish more flavor.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden brown before adding them to the mac and cheese.
  • Top the mac and cheese with a fried egg or crispy bacon for a more hearty meal.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making Bob Evans Mac and Cheese?

A: Some common mistakes people make when making Bob Evans Mac and Cheese include:

  • Using too much milk or water. This can make the mac and cheese too runny.
  • Not cooking the pasta all the way through. The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Not adding enough cheese. The cheese is the star of the dish, so be sure to use plenty of it.
  • Not stirring the mac and cheese often enough. This can cause the cheese to clump together and the pasta to become mushy.

Q: What are some tips for making Bob Evans Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

A: To make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese ahead of time, you can follow these tips:

  • Make the mac and cheese according to the recipe, but do not add the breadcrumbs.
  • Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
  • When you are ready to serve, reheat the mac and cheese in a 350F oven until it is warmed through.
  • Add the breadcrumbs and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Q: What are some variations on the classic Bob Evans Mac and Cheese recipe?

A: There are many different variations on the classic Bob Evans Mac and Cheese recipe. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese: Add chopped bacon and broccoli to the mac and cheese before baking.
  • Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add shredded chicken that has been cooked in buffalo sauce to the mac and cheese.
  • Taco Mac and Cheese: Add taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese to the mac and cheese.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Mac and Cheese: Add shredded potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheese to the mac and cheese.

Q: Where can I find Bob Evans Mac and Cheese?

A: Bob Evans Mac and Cheese is available at Bob Evans restaurants and grocery stores.

Bob Evans Mac and Cheese is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for a family dinner. However, it can be quite expensive to buy from the restaurant. Luckily, it is possible to make a homemade version that tastes just as good for a fraction of the cost. By following the steps in this article, you can make Bob Evans Mac and Cheese at home that your family will love.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • To make homemade Bob Evans Mac and Cheese, you will need elbow macaroni, butter, milk, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar cheese.
  • To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine. Fold in the cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Pour the Mac and Cheese into a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the Mac and Cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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