Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that melts in your mouth and warms your soul. Today, we’re recreating a fan-favorite comfort food: Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish takes the classic mac and cheese you know and love and elevates it with bold flavors and a silky cheese sauce.

The combination of freshly grated cheeses, smooth creaminess from cream cheese, and just the right seasonings makes this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s a perfect side dish, a cozy weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into this irresistible mac and cheese recipe that tastes just like it came straight from Chili’s kitchen.

What Is Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese and What Does It Taste Like?

Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Unlike traditional mac and cheese, this version is packed with layers of flavor from white cheddar, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. The result? A perfectly balanced dish that’s rich, tangy, and luxuriously creamy.

The sauce is velvety and smooth thanks to cream cheese and whole milk, while the dry mustard and garlic powder add subtle depth. The pepper jack cheese gives just a hint of zest, without making the dish spicy. Every forkful is pure cheesy goodness.

When baked, the topping turns golden and slightly crisp, contrasting beautifully with the soft, creamy pasta underneath. This dish isn’t just mac and cheese-it’s indulgence in a bowl.

Ingredients Required for Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Cheeses:

• 1 cup pepper jack cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large pot (for pasta)
2. Mixing bowls
3. Cast iron skillet or baking dish
4. Whisk and spatula
5. Cheese grater

Preparation & Cooking Time

1. Prep Time: 15 minutes
2. Cook Time: 30 minutes
3. Total Time: 45 minutes
4. Servings: 6–8

Copycat Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese in a delicious way.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt and chicken bouillon, and cook the pasta until al dente (7–10 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce Base
In a saucepan, pour in the whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, white pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Creaminess
Stir in cream cheese until smooth and velvety. This step creates the creamy foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Add half the pepper jack and half the white cheddar to the saucepan. Stir until completely melted and silky. Mix in grated parmesan for extra richness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl, then pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta in the cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter. Pour in the pasta mixture, then top with the remaining white cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese deliciously

1. With Crispy Fried Chicken
There’s just something magical about pairing this creamy mac and cheese with crunchy fried chicken. We’ve done this combo on a Sunday dinner table, and trust me-it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave over and over again.

2. Alongside BBQ Ribs
One of our favorite pairings is smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs with this cheesy mac. The tangy barbecue sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly.

3. Topped with Crispy Bacon
We’ve tried adding crumbled bacon on top before baking, and oh my goodness-it takes this dish to the next level. The salty crunch balances the creamy texture beautifully.

4. With a Fresh Garden Salad
Whenever we serve this dish at family gatherings, we always put out a big fresh salad. The crisp veggies and light vinaigrette make the mac and cheese feel even more indulgent.

5. Paired with Grilled Steak
If you’ve never had steak with mac and cheese, you’re missing out. We once served this duo for a special dinner, and everyone agreed it felt like a restaurant-quality meal.

6. As a Side with Roast Chicken
This has been our go-to weeknight pairing. The juicy roasted chicken with herbs complements the cheesy pasta so well-it’s simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.

7. With Garlic Bread on the Side
We learned this trick during a potluck. Serving mac and cheese with garlic bread lets you scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Trust us-you won’t want to waste a drop.

8. Topped with Caramelized Onions
This might sound fancy, but we once caramelized onions and layered them on top before baking. The sweet-savory flavor paired beautifully with the rich cheese sauce.

9. With Roasted Veggies
On days we want to lighten things up, we roast broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots and serve them right alongside. The veggies soak up some of the cajun sauce, and it’s heavenly.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

The first time I made this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, I was so excited. I love cheesy food, and this one came out so creamy and yummy. The pasta was soft, the cheese was melty, and the top got nice and golden in the oven. When I took the first bite, it felt like a warm hug. My family asked for seconds, and I knew right away this recipe would be one of our favorites forever.

7 Tips for This Recipe

1. Grate your cheese fresh – it melts better than bagged cheese.

2. Don’t overcook the pasta – keep it a little firm so it doesn’t get mushy.

3. Use whole milk or cream – this makes the sauce extra creamy.

4. Taste the sauce before baking – add more salt or pepper if you need.

5. Grease your baking dish – this stops the pasta from sticking.

6. Save some cheese for the top – it makes a golden, cheesy crust.

7. Let it rest for 5 minutes – it sets up and makes serving easier.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, or warm in the oven until creamy again.

FAQs on this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

When you give this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What is in Chili’s Loaded White Cheddar Mac and Cheese?

Chili’s version is all about creamy white cheddar mac and cheese topped with Cajun-spiced chicken or crispy bacon. At home, we focus on the cheesy base-white cheddar, pepper jack, parmesan, and sharp cheddar-then you can “load” it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon if you want to replicate the restaurant-style dish.

2. Is white cheddar good for mac and cheese?

Absolutely! In our experience, white cheddar gives mac and cheese a sharper, more complex flavor than traditional yellow cheddar. It melts beautifully and creates that rich, tangy bite that takes this dish up a notch.

3. What is the secret ingredient for mac and cheese?

For us, it’s cream cheese. Just a little bit makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth. It keeps the cheese sauce from separating and adds that luscious texture that makes people go back for seconds.

4. What are the best 3 ingredients for mac and cheese?

From our kitchen tests, the top three are: sharp cheddar for flavor, cream cheese for creaminess, and parmesan for that salty, nutty finish. Those three together never disappoint.

5. Can I make this recipe without baking it?

Yes! If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the oven and enjoy it straight from the stovetop. It’ll still be creamy and delicious-you just won’t get the golden, bubbly topping.

6. How do I keep mac and cheese creamy after baking?

The trick is not to overbake it. We usually pull it out as soon as the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Also, using whole milk or cream with cream cheese helps the sauce stay silky instead of drying out.

7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating my own?

Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly. Whenever we grate our own cheese, the sauce turns out creamier and more flavorful.

8. What can I add to make this more like Chili’s loaded version?

We love adding grilled Cajun chicken strips or crispy bacon on top. Sometimes we even toss in sautéed shrimp for a restaurant-style twist. It really turns a side dish into a full meal.

9. How can I make this mac and cheese spicier?

Pepper jack cheese already gives a subtle kick, but if you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce. We’ve tried it both ways, and the extra spice makes it even more comforting.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! We often prep it the night before. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it covered for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to brown the top. It’s a lifesaver for busy days.

This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe is comfort food at its finest-creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for dinner, holidays, or any time you need a warm hug in a bowl, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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