Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Calories, Price & Recipe 2025

When it comes to hearty American comfort food, few chains hit the spot quite like Texas Roadhouse, and their mac and cheese is no exception. Whether you’re eyeing it as a creamy side dish or curious about the version served on the kids’ menu, Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese has stirred up both appetites and online debates. Is it really homemade? Is it the classic Kraft we all grew up with? In this firsthand review, we’ll dive fork-first into the flavor, texture, ingredients, and overall experience.

From taste tests to nutritional insights, including calories and pricing, we’ll unpack everything from the mac and cheese Texas Roadhouse fans love to the controversial Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese recipe some try to recreate at home.

Full Menu

Price & Calorie Comparison

Version	Price	Calories (approx.)
Kids’ Menu (Kraft)	Included in kids’ meal (~$5.99–$7.99 total)	~310–380 kcal
Adult Side Dish	~$4.48	~310–380 kcal
With Add-ons (Bacon/Cheddar)	~$5.97 (approx.)	Slightly higher (est. +50–100 kcal)

What Makes Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese So Special?

What sets Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese apart is its balance of homestyle comfort and bold flavor. Unlike generic side dishes, the adult version feels intentionally crafted, creamy, rich, and just smoky enough to feel elevated without straying from its roots.

Here’s why it stands out:

Texture: Creamy, never watery. Pasta holds its shape and soaks up the sauce.
Flavor: Real cheese blends, buttery base, and hints of seasoning like garlic, onion, or even hot sauce.
Customization: You can add cheddar and bacon for extra indulgence.
Versatility: Works as a side or main, pairing perfectly with steak, ribs, or chicken.
Nostalgia meets quality: The kids’ Kraft version brings back childhood memories, while the side dish appeals to grown-up taste buds.

It’s comfort food done right, no frills, just crave-worthy satisfaction.

Ingredients

The Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese side dish usually includes:

Elbow macaroni
Sharp cheddar cheese
Monterey Jack or Parmesan (varies by location)
Butter
Milk or heavy cream
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dijon mustard (in some copycat recipes)
Hickory smoke flavor or hot sauce (light touch)

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (198g)
Calories	380
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Trans Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	37g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	17g

Is It Kraft Mac and Cheese?

Yes, and no. Here’s the truth: Texas Roadhouse serves two versions of mac and cheese, and they’re not the same.

Kids’ Menu Mac & Cheese: Most reports, including Yahoo and Tasting Table, confirm this is Kraft Mac & Cheese. It’s a boxed classic, bright orange, creamy, and nostalgic. Some menus even list it as Kraft.
Side Dish Mac & Cheese (for adults): This version is different. It’s creamy, richer, and made in-house using real shredded cheese, butter, milk or cream, and spices. Many customers describe it as “homemade-style” with better texture and flavor than the kids’ option.

So, if you’re ordering for yourself and want a real, cheesy experience, go with the side dish.

Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese: Kids vs. Adults Comparison

Feature	Kids’ Menu Version	Adult Side Dish Version
Type	Often boxed Kraft Mac & Cheese	Described as “homemade-style”
Flavor Profile	Mild, classic, familiar	Richer, creamier, more savory
Ingredients	Likely Kraft cheese mix and pasta	Real cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream, butter (varies)
Serving Size	Small child-appropriate portion	More generous, adult-size portion
Texture	Soft, uniform, processed-style	Creamy, with more depth and melted cheese texture
Add-ons Available	No	Bacon, extra cheddar for added cost
Target Audience	Children under 12	Adults ordering sides with entrées
Typical Price	Included in kids’ meal combo	Around $4.48 à la carte
Reception (per reviews)	Mixed—some love it, others expect more	Mostly positive when freshly made
Calories (approximate)	~310–380	~380

Texas Roadhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe (Copycat)

Craving that creamy, smoky goodness at home? Here’s a spot-on Texas Roadhouse-style mac and cheese copycat recipe you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk (for extra creaminess)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (or a drop of hickory liquid smoke)
Salt and white pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add milk and evaporated milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in cheese gradually until fully melted and creamy.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Fold in cooked pasta. Mix until fully coated and heated through.

Optional Variations for Extra Flavor

Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory crunch.
Top with extra cheese and broil for a melted golden layer.
Breadcrumb topping: Mix panko with melted butter and parmesan, then bake or broil for a crunchy finish.
A dash of Louisiana hot sauce adds a mild kick, just like some Roadhouse fans describe.

Popular Sides to Pair With Mac and Cheese at Texas Roadhouse

Mac and cheese at Texas Roadhouse is more than a side, it’s a comfort-food centerpiece. But what takes it to the next level is pairing it with the right sides. Whether you’re customizing a plate or building a hearty combo, here are the most popular sidekicks diners love to enjoy alongside their creamy mac.

1. Fresh-Baked Bread Rolls with Cinnamon Butter

Warm, fluffy, and slightly sweet—these iconic rolls are the ultimate pre-meal indulgence. The rich, savory mac and cheese contrasts beautifully with the soft, honey-kissed bread.

2. House or Caesar Salad

Balance out the richness with a crisp salad. A chilled Caesar with crunchy croutons or a garden-fresh house salad adds texture and freshness.

3. Loaded Baked Potato

Double down on comfort with a baked potato smothered in butter, cheese, sour cream, and bacon. This pairing is a Southern-style flavor bomb.

4. Steak Fries

Golden, thick-cut, and salty—fries are a classic pairing for cheesy pasta. Kids love this combo, but honestly, adults do too.

5. Buttered Corn or Seasoned Rice

Corn adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory cheese, while seasoned rice keeps things light and flavorful.

6. Sautéed Mushrooms or Onions

Want to add depth? Pair mac and cheese with earthy sautéed mushrooms or sweet grilled onions. Perfect with steak or grilled chicken.

Kid-Friendly Dining at Texas Roadhouse: What’s on the Menu for Families?

Texas Roadhouse knows how to cater to families and their kids’ menu proves it. The lineup includes staples like mini cheeseburgers, hot dogs, steak bites, grilled chicken, and of course, the widely discussed mac and cheese.

Here’s the scoop: While the menu labels it “homemade,” the kids’ mac and cheese is often Kraft Mac & Cheese, depending on location. It’s a safe, familiar option that most kids love, but some parents may feel it doesn’t justify the price tag.

Kid-Friendly Dining at Texas Roadhouse What’s on the Menu for Families

Each kids’ meal comes with a drink and a choice of sides like applesauce, fries, or green beans. Portions are fair, and service is usually fast perfect for families dining out without the hassle.

If you’re looking for kid-approved comfort food in a fun, energetic setting, Texas Roadhouse delivers just don’t expect gourmet mac.

Texas roadhouse mac and cheese review

From Reddit (r/FoodPorn):

“Texas Roadhouse never fails me. MR filet with Mac n cheese … Delicious!”

From Reddit (r/TopSecretRecipes):

“Between 2021 and 2023, Texas Roadhouse had very delicious mac and cheese that was definitely from scratch and definitely had a lot of butter.”

From Yelp (San Antonio location):

“The sides are comfort foods like green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese… Had a large group… the food is served immediately… Mac n cheese was nice and creamy.”

From Yelp (Orlando location):

“Prices here are so affordable and portions are also big. We had the porterhouse steak, mac-n-cheese … everything tasted delicious!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes! You can add cheddar, bacon, or even jalapeños to your mac and cheese—just ask your server when ordering.

It’s creamier than most fast-casual spots, but not as gourmet as steakhouse mac; think rich, cheesy comfort food.

Yes—kids usually get Kraft Mac & Cheese, while the adult side dish is often made with real cheese and cream.

Nope, their mac and cheese isn’t gluten-free since it contains traditional pasta and possibly flour in the sauce.

Definitely! You can order it as a standalone side or even get a double portion if you’re craving more.

Not at all—it’s creamy and mild, but some recipes hint at a dash of hot sauce or pepper for depth.

A regular side serving has about 310–380 calories, depending on location and toppings.

It typically includes cheddar and Monterey Jack, with milk, cream, and a touch of smoky flavor.

Yes! Many food bloggers recreate it using elbow pasta, cheddar, jack cheese, evaporated milk, and Dijon mustard.

It’s best fresh in-house—takeout is convenient, but you might miss out on the hot, creamy texture straight from the kitchen.

Conclusion

Whether you’re dining in with family or craving a side of nostalgic comfort, the Texas Roadhouse mac and cheese holds its own on the menu. Creamy, indulgent, and undeniably satisfying, especially when freshly made, it hits that sweet spot between simple and hearty. While some locations may serve the familiar boxed version on the kids’ menu, the main dish version often leans more “from scratch” with real cheese, rich flavor, and satisfying texture.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth adding to your plate, especially when paired with a juicy steak or crispy chicken critters. Prefer to stay in? Try recreating the flavor at home with a Texas Roadhouse–style mac and cheese recipe that blends cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream, and a hint of smoke.