If you are anything like me, you would have that time in Ruby Tuesday when you have a bite of their mac and cheese and thought, “Why can’t I do this at home?” Well, now, you can! This Copycat Ruby Tuesday Mac and Cheese recipe comes out very rich, creamy, and cheesy, just like the restaurant version, and is super easy to put together.

This makes it one of my favorites for comfort food. Whether a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish truly never disappoints. Now let’s get started because you really won’t believe how easy this is.

What is Copycat Ruby Tuesday Mac and Cheese All About?

Ruby Tuesday is famous for having a cheese sauce whose smoothness is balanced by sharp cheddar and creaminess. The taste is smooth but robust, zesty, which we love. Nothing fancy about it-just delicious in cheesy glory, on cue.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Water for boiling
Salt (for pasta water)

For the cheese sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the pasta:
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until nearly done. Drain and set aside.
Make the roux:
Melt butter over medium heat and in a large pan, pour in flour, and whisk it for about 1 or 2 minutes until it takes a golden and smooth appearance.
Adding milk and cream:
Slowly but surely, add warm milk and heavy cream while whisking so that everything won’t forms lumps. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow thickening slightly.
Add cheese:
Heat to low. Fold in the cheddar and Monterey Jack into the cream and let it melt and combine. Then add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Season it:
Seasoning: Adjust seasoning accordingly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix pasta and sauce:
Stir the cheese sauce into the noodles after draining the macaroni.
Serve hot:
Serve in bowls while hot.

Related: Salmon Mushroom Recipe

Storage Tips

Refrigeration- Store leftover portions in an airtight container for three days.
To Reheat- Serve heated in either the microwave or on the stovetop with a drizzle of milk to restore happiness.
Freezing- Not a good idea, too much separation from melting and freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve aside grilled chicken or BBQ ribs.
Perfect match for a crisp green salad.
Drizzle on some hot sauce if you want to spice things up a bit.

Pro Tips & Variations

Extra cheesy? A handful of shredded mozzarella stretches.
Do you like it baked? Top with breadcrumbs and put them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes.
Make it smoky: Add the chopped bacon or smoked paprika.
It can be made gluten-free- Just use gluten-free pasta and a flour mix.

FAQs

Can it be made without heavy cream?

Yes, just increase the milk, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Is this spicy?

Nope! It is mild, kid-approved, so feel free to toss in some cayenne for a little heat if you wish.

How about shredded cheese? Can that be used?

It can, though it may not melt quite as perfectly. Freshly grated is best.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, as long as the cheese does not contain rennet.

Try it!

This Copycat Ruby Tuesday Mac and Cheese is everything you love about the original- only now it is yours to make whenever you fancy. Creamy, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser! Give it a shot and tell me how it goes!