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

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!

Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (1)

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.

Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (2)

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?

Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (3)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (5)Jaclyn Kent says

    I love making at-home mac&cheese!! I'll have to try colby jack next time!

    Reply

  2. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (6)Molly O'Connor says

    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

  3. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (7)Hi, I'm Susannah! says

    Oh yum! I'll definitely have to try this. I love homemade mac and cheese!

    Reply

  4. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (8)Wee BlackCat says

    ooh, the paprika sounds like the perfect addition — going to try i t soon!

    Reply

  5. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (9)Anonymous says

    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

  6. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (10)Tara Settembre says

    Nothing better than Mac and Cheese! Looks yummy, thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

  7. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (11)Roxanne Ferber says

    You just can't go wrong with good ol' mac and cheese! In my house it's a staple!

    Reply

  8. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (12)Stacey D says

    I love mac and cheese and I am so lucky that my hubby makes an amazing version!

    Reply

  9. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (14)Ourfamilyworld says

    I'll have to give your recipe a try. My family loves mac and cheese.

    Reply

  10. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (15)The Cuteness says

    I don't think I've ever met a mac n cheese I didn't like. This look sooo good!

    Reply

  11. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (16)Janet Krugel says

    I've never heard of Noodles and Co, but it seems like a place I want to visit. This recipe looks so good!

    Reply

  12. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (17)Blanca F. says

    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

  13. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (18)nicole says

    I love Mac and Cheese! yum.

    Reply

  14. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (19)Rose @ Walnut Acre says

    I think my daughter would agree with you – macaroni and cheese is her favorite food. This recipe looks delicious.

    Reply

  15. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (20)Sydney Andersen says

    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

  16. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (21)Patt says

    I want to make this for a memorial service do you think this would reheat well?

    Reply

  17. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (22)#1 mom says

    YUM!!! I love making mac and cheese for my kids. They loved it. I suggest this recipe to other bakers.

    Reply

  18. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (23)Alyssa says

    Debra, this looks really good! I think I need to make these for myself and the kids. Love this idea!

    Reply

  19. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (24)Alina says

    Debra, it looks so yummy! I love the step-by-step instructions, making it an easy recipe to follow!

    Reply

  20. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (25)Mariya says

    Debra, these look so delicious! I bet my family would love for me to make these sometime.

    Reply

  21. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (26)Tyler Nihguh says

    yoyoyo i fricken love mac dawg, please hook it up with more mac bruh.

    Reply

  22. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (27)Amy says

    Can this be frozen?

    Reply

    • Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (28)Wifeeclectic says

      I’ve never tried but I don’t see why not.

      Reply

  23. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (29)Anne Bakerim says

    I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.

    Reply

  24. Noodles & Co. Copycat Recipe: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese - Housewife Eclectic (30)Anna says

    I love noodles and this recipe looks very appetizing and very simple. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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

FAQs

Did noodles change their mac and cheese? ›

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Noodles & Company is making its best-selling dish cheddar than ever and now serving guests even more ooey-gooey goodness by enhancing its World-Famous Mac menu with 50% more cheese sauce in every bowl.

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.

What kind of pasta would work best for a dish like macaroni and cheese? ›

A traditional mac and cheese staple, elbow macaroni earned plenty of votes from our experts. Brian Theis, author of ”The Infinite Feast,” told us that “the king of all the noodles when it comes to mac and cheese is, of course, the classic elbow macaroni.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

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.

What noodles are best for mac and cheese? ›

By definition, classic macaroni and cheese should be made with, well, macaroni, a style broadly defined as any short, cylindrical extruded pasta. This includes tubes like ziti, penne, rigatoni and, yes, elbows, as well as corkscrew shapes like fusilli.

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.

What is corkscrew pasta called? ›

Cavatappi is macaroni formed in a helical tube shape. Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew. Cavatelli resembles a tiny hot dog bun.

Why is macaroni and cheese so high in calories? ›

Mac and cheese is typically made with rich, high calorie ingredients like pasta, cheese, and milk or cream. Some versions also include cream cheese or butter, which provide additional fat and calories.

What are the three best cheeses for 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.

What is the most popular cheese for mac and cheese? ›

But there is one go-to that you'll almost always see. An overview of Food Network's mac and cheese roundup reveals that most recipes have one type of cheese in common: sharp Cheddar.

Can I use half and half in my macaroni and cheese? ›

Ingredients in Homemade Mac and Cheese

Milk and/or Half and Half– You can make this mac and cheese with all whole milk, all half and half, or a blend of the two. I usually use a blend of two. Seasonings– Keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and a hint of cayenne.

How do you make mac and cheese taste better? ›

Here are five tips to elevate your next dinner to include extra flavor and texture.
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
May 21, 2022

How to make Shaq mac and cheese? ›

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook macaroni with oil and salt until al dente. Drain.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt margarine over low heat. Add flour. ...
  4. Add cooked macaroni to sauce. Stir over low heat for 1 minute. ...
  5. Pour mixture into a large greased casserole dish or baking pan.

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.

Why did noodles and Company change their menu? ›

This year, the chain wants to make “penetrating improvement” on a handful of items that make the most difference. Research shows that one of the biggest categories is food taste. That's why Noodles will spend 2024 launching a multi-phase menu transformation guided by a “contemporary comfort kitchen culinary identity.”

Why are some of my mac and cheese noodles hard? ›

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! Definitely use the guide as a starter and add more as required. It's easy to add more water but hard to take it away.

What was macaroni and cheese renamed? ›

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is changing its name after 85 years. The household staple is now called Kraft Mac & Cheese, which is “meant to reflect the way fans organically talk about the brand,” the company announced Wednesday. Packaging featuring the new name will hit shelves in August.

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