Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese

December 8, 2015 by Wifeeclectic 27 Comments

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If I had to pick one food to live on for the rest of my life, it would be Mac and Cheese. There is something so comforting and happy about a big bowl of Mac N’ Cheese. I have tried this dish in just about every restaurant around us that serves it and Noodles & Co has one of my favorite versions. I just had to keep tweaking my homemade version until it was just right. I think the best part of this recipe is stirring in the cheese!

Wisconsin Mac & Cheese Copycat Recipe

You will need:

1 lb of macaroni noodles
2 Tablespoons flour
2 Tablespoons butter
1 and a half cups whole milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
1 cup Colby Jack Cheese

Cook the noodles according to the package direction. Over medium heat, add the the butter to the pan and melt. After the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Cook your roux until in bubbles and browns, whisking the whole time.

Add the milk, whisking until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken up. Whisk the Monterrey Jack Cheese and paprika into the mixture and whisk until melted in. Place about half a cup of cheese sauce in the bottom of a bowl. Add a layer of noddles and then a handful of Colby Jack Cheese on top. Salt and Pepper to taste.

I don’t always want to make a full recipe of this, because often it is just my baby and I eating it for lunch, so I will half the recipe with 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of butter and 3/4 a cup of milk. It is a perfect serving for me and a little one. If I don’t have Monterrey Jack on hand, I will use Colby Jack for both cheese ingredients and it is just as delicious.

Print Recipe

Copycat Wisconsin Mac and Cheese

This Wisconsin Mac & Cheese is a traditional comfort food copycat recipe. Just like the one at Noodles and Co, but made at home.

Course: Main Course

Keyword: CopyCat Recipe, Dinner, Food, Pasta, Recipe

Equipment

Large Pot
Noodle Strainer

Ingredients

1 lb of macaroni noodles
2 Tablespoons flour
2 Tablespoons butter
1 and a half cups whole milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
1 cup Colby Jack Cheese

Instructions

Cook the noodles according to the package direction.
Over medium heat, add the the butter to the pan and melt.
After the butter is melted, whisk in the flour.
Cook your roux until in bubbles and browns, whisking the whole time.
Add the milk, whisking until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken up.
Whisk the Monterrey Jack Cheese and paprika into the mixture and whisk until melted in.
Place about half a cup of cheese sauce in the bottom of a bowl.
Add a layer of noddles and then a handful of Colby Jack Cheese on top.
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Notes

I don't always want to make a full recipe of this, because often it is just my baby and I eating it for lunch, so I will half the recipe with 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of butter and 3/4 a cup of milk. It is a perfect serving for me and a little one. If I don't have Monterrey Jack on hand, I will use Colby Jack for both cheese ingredients and it is just as delicious.

How do you like your Mac N’ Cheese?

Reader Interactions

Comments

ana de jesus says
December 8, 2015 at 9:34 pm
I love mac and cheese but sadly it irritates my hernia so I can't have it as much as I used to which is a shame.
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Reply
Jaclyn Kent says
December 8, 2015 at 9:55 pm
I love making at-home mac&cheese!! I'll have to try colby jack next time!
Reply
Molly O'Connor says
December 8, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Oh yum! When I head home after this semester ends I'll have to have my mom make this! I always love a good four cheese mac n cheese
Reply
Hi, I'm Susannah! says
December 8, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Oh yum! I'll definitely have to try this. I love homemade mac and cheese!
Reply
Wee BlackCat says
December 9, 2015 at 12:32 am
ooh, the paprika sounds like the perfect addition — going to try i t soon!
Reply
Anonymous says
December 9, 2015 at 1:13 am
Mac and cheese is a big thing in our house, but I hate buying the packet ones. I never really know what's in them. Thanks for this. Sarah
Reply
Tara Settembre says
December 9, 2015 at 2:12 am
Nothing better than Mac and Cheese! Looks yummy, thanks for the recipe.
Reply
Roxanne Ferber says
December 9, 2015 at 4:05 am
You just can't go wrong with good ol' mac and cheese! In my house it's a staple!
Reply
Stacey D says
December 9, 2015 at 5:00 am
I love mac and cheese and I am so lucky that my hubby makes an amazing version!
Reply
Jen K says
December 9, 2015 at 12:48 pm
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Oh my! My littlest would love this. He is a mac and cheese fanatic. And now I'm hungry 🙂
Reply
Ourfamilyworld says
December 10, 2015 at 3:36 am
I'll have to give your recipe a try. My family loves mac and cheese.
Reply
The Cuteness says
December 10, 2015 at 12:24 pm
I don't think I've ever met a mac n cheese I didn't like. This look sooo good!
Reply
Janet Krugel says
December 11, 2015 at 4:28 am
I've never heard of Noodles and Co, but it seems like a place I want to visit. This recipe looks so good!
Reply
Blanca F. says
December 11, 2015 at 6:19 pm
I love mac and cheese and I love making it myself instead of buying the box kind. I have done a couple of different recipes variations and would love to try yours…it looks very delicious l 😀
Reply
nicole says
December 12, 2015 at 1:24 am
I love Mac and Cheese! yum.
Reply
Rose @ Walnut Acre says
December 16, 2015 at 12:41 pm
I think my daughter would agree with you – macaroni and cheese is her favorite food. This recipe looks delicious.
Reply
Sydney Andersen says
January 4, 2016 at 5:11 pm
I LOVE Noodles & Co Mac'n'Cheese and can not wait to try this recipe! It is on my next meal plan! Thanks so much for sharing at the Dream. Create. Inspire. Link. I've pinned this recipe and shared on FB. I hope you will join us again tomorrow night!
Reply
Patt says
October 20, 2017 at 10:30 am
I want to make this for a memorial service do you think this would reheat well?
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#1 mom says
November 4, 2018 at 5:45 pm
YUM!!! I love making mac and cheese for my kids. They loved it. I suggest this recipe to other bakers.
Reply
Alyssa says
March 9, 2019 at 3:08 am
Debra, this looks really good! I think I need to make these for myself and the kids. Love this idea!
Reply
Alina says
March 18, 2019 at 10:48 am
Debra, it looks so yummy! I love the step-by-step instructions, making it an easy recipe to follow!
Reply
Mariya says
March 24, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Debra, these look so delicious! I bet my family would love for me to make these sometime.
Reply
Tyler Nihguh says
April 2, 2019 at 2:22 pm
yoyoyo i fricken love mac dawg, please hook it up with more mac bruh.
Reply
Amy says
November 21, 2019 at 7:48 pm
Can this be frozen?
Reply
- Wifeeclectic says
  November 24, 2019 at 9:35 pm
  I’ve never tried but I don’t see why not.
  Reply
Anne Bakerim says
January 27, 2020 at 9:40 am
I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.
Reply
Anna says
April 11, 2022 at 2:24 am
I love noodles and this recipe looks very appetizing and very simple. Thanks for sharing!
Reply

Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (2024)

FAQs

Did noodles and Company change their mac and cheese recipe? ›

And now, we've made our creamy mac and cheese recipe even better by adding 50% more cheese sauce - because you can never have too much of a good thing.

See Details ›

What are the best noodles for homemade mac and cheese? ›

Cavatappi. Next up, the corkscrew-shaped noodles known as cavatappi. “I think cavatappi is the best shape for mac and cheese, whether stovetop or baked,” said Sydney Wilcox, a chef and culinary instructor. “It is like a long, curly elbow.

Discover More ›

How much fat is in the Wisconsin mac and cheese at noodles and Company? ›

Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Regular (1 serving) contains 119g total carbs, 114g net carbs, 38g fat, 42g protein, and 980 calories.

See Details ›

What kind of cheese is best in mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Get More Info Here ›

What ingredient makes the difference between Noodles and macaroni? ›

Differences in Ingredients

Flour – smooth, soft, and a lighter shade, noodles may be crafted using a finer kind of flour or a variety of different flours. Pasta on the other hand uses a heavier denser kind of flour to give it that weight. Salt – salt is essential when it comes to noodles.

Find Out More ›

What is the new name for Noodles and Company? ›

The test included a new name, Noodles World Kitchen, as well as new menu items, customizations, rapid pick-up service, and a rewards program.

Show Me More ›

Are large elbows better for mac and cheese? ›

You can use small or large elbow. Cavatappi is a delicious choice too if you prefer a larger noodle. BUTTER: This is going to add a beautiful rich taste to this mac and cheese and is half of what maxes a roux.

Get More Info ›

What's the difference between mac and cheese and macaroni cheese? ›

Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles dating to the 14th century in Italy and medieval England.

Know More ›

Is Noodles and company mac and cheese healthy? ›

Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese

This main dish is close to 50% of the recommended daily amount of calories (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). The artery-clogging saturated fat is 100% of the recommended daily maximum, while the sodium is 68% of the recommended daily maximum.

Keep Reading ›

Are mac and cheese unhealthy? ›

Are mac and cheese healthy, yes or no? Unfortunately, traditional mac and cheese tends to be unhealthy because it contains high amounts of saturated fats and sodium from butter, cheese, and milk. Additionally, it is calorie-dense and not ideal for those trying to lose weight.

View Details ›

Why is macaroni and cheese so high in calories? ›

Mac and cheese contains large amounts of fat and refined carbs, both of which contribute to its high calorie count. Eating more calories than you burn, regardless of which foods they come from, can lead to weight gain.

View Details ›

Did Noodles and Company change their menu? ›

The CEO explained that Noodles & Company will be making changes to more than half of its current menu by adding new offerings, updating current recipes, and even changing the names of some dishes.

Why did Kraft macaroni and cheese change? ›

HEALTH WATCHDOG OBJECTS TO KRAFT HEINZ MAC & CHEESE ADS

The brand maintains its signature blue and red colors while its typography, photography, iconography and packaging all are updated. Kraft Mac & Cheese explained that the name change was made to reflect the way customers "organically" reference the brand.

Get More Info ›

Why are my mac and cheese Noodles hard? ›

The macaroni absorbs an insane amount of water from the pot, so that's the reason. The crunchiness comes from the fact that the macaroni doesn't have enough boiling water to absorb all the way to the core. Thanks for the top tips on Mac & Cheeze!

Learn More ›

Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (2024)