Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe at Home

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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac & Cheese Bites (Easy Air Fryer or Oven Recipe)

If you’ve ever sat in an Outback Steakhouse booth, breathing in that warm cheesy smell and crunching into their famous mac & cheese bites, you know exactly why you’re here today. This copycat Outback mac and cheese bites recipe brings that same crispy, golden outside and creamy, cheesy inside right into your own kitchen—no reservation needed. In this post, I’ll walk you through:
  • What makes Outback and their mac & cheese bites so iconic
  • A step-by-step copycat recipe (with USA measurements)
  • Air fryer and oven directions
  • Simple shortcuts for busy nights
  • Allergy-friendly swaps (gluten-free and more)

Outback Steakhouse & Their Mac & Cheese Bites: Why We Love Them

Outback Steakhouse is known for big flavors, hearty portions, and that casual “let’s hang out and eat” vibe. While they started with steak as the star, their appetizers have built a cult following of their own. Their mac & cheese bites are a perfect example:
  • Crunchy exterior – a deep golden brown shell that crackles when you bite in
  • Gooey center – soft, velvety macaroni held together by rich cheese sauce
  • Comfort food factor – it’s like your favorite bowl of mac and cheese turned into party food
The contrast is what hooks you: first that crisp, salty crust, then a burst of warm, melty, comfort-food goodness. This recipe is inspired by that experience and designed to be:
  • Easy for home cooks
  • Made with simple, grocery-store ingredients
  • Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family night

Copycat Outback Mac & Cheese Bites Recipe

Yield: About 24–30 bites (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 3 hours (mostly chilling time)

Homemade copycat Outback mac and cheese bites with golden crispy coating and creamy cheesy macaroni center.
These homemade copycat Outback mac and cheese bites are crispy on the outside and filled with creamy, cheesy macaroni on the inside — perfect for air fryer or oven baking

Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese Filling: For Breading:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • 2 cups plain breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying or Air Frying:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than the package directions). You want it firm, not mushy, so it holds up inside the bites.
  3. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in 2 Tbsp flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps.
  4. Simmer gently, whisking, for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Turn heat to low and stir in:
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar
    • ½ cup Monterey Jack
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp pepper
  6. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Chill

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated.
  2. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar pan with parchment paper.
  3. Spread the mac and cheese into an even layer, pressing it down gently to compact it. The tighter it is, the easier it will be to shape into bites later.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. You can also chill it overnight.

Step 4: Shape the Bites

  1. Once cold and firm, lift the mac and cheese slab out of the pan using the parchment paper.
  2. Cut into small squares (about 1 to 1 ½ inches) or scoop and roll into balls with your hands or a small cookie scoop.
  3. Place formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment and keep them chilled while you prepare the breading station.

Step 5: Set Up the Breading Station

  1. Place 1 cup flour in a shallow bowl.
  2. In a second bowl, whisk together:
    • 3 eggs
    • 2 Tbsp milk
  3. In a third bowl, mix:
    • 2 cups breadcrumbs
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp pepper

Step 6: Bread the Mac & Cheese Bites

  1. Working a few at a time, gently coat each bite in flour, shaking off the excess.
  2. Dip into the egg wash, letting extra drip off.
  3. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick.
  4. For an extra-crispy crust, you can repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step one more time (double breading).
  5. Place breaded bites back on the parchment-lined tray. Keep chilled until you’re ready to cook so they hold their shape.

How to Cook: Deep Fryer, Air Fryer, or Oven

You have options here depending on your tools and how indulgent you’re feeling.

Option 1: Deep Fry (Most Restaurant-Like)

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Use a thermometer for safety and accuracy.
  • Carefully lower a few bites into the hot oil at a time. Don’t crowd the pot.
  • Fry for about 2–3 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crispy.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer bites to a paper towel–lined plate or a wire rack.
  • Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving—the centers will be very hot.
Food Safety Note: While these bites are fully cooked when assembled, you still want the interior to be piping hot. The USDA recommends reheated foods reach 165°F. If you’re unsure, you can check one with an instant-read thermometer.

Option 2: Air Fryer (Lighter but Still Crispy)

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  • Arrange bites in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
  • Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp.
  • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and heated through.

Option 3: Oven-Baked

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Place bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray or lightly brush with oil.
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.

Serving Ideas: Sauces & Pairings

Outback-style mac & cheese bites pair well with: Serve them hot as:
  • A party appetizer
  • Game-day snack
  • Side dish with burgers or grilled chicken
  • A fun “snack dinner” with a big salad and veggies

Nutrition Info (Approximate, Per Serving)

This will vary depending on frying vs. air frying and exact brands used, but here is a rough idea for a serving of about 4–5 bites (1/8 of the recipe), deep-fried:
  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: ~11 g
  • Carbs: ~33 g
  • Fat: ~15 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~7 g
  • Sodium: ~520 mg
Air frying or baking will generally lower the fat and calories a bit.

Shortcuts & Time-Saving Tips

Some nights you want to cook from scratch. Other nights you just want cheesy snacks in your mouth ASAP. Here are some easy shortcuts:

Use Boxed Mac & Cheese

  • Prepare 1–2 boxes of your favorite boxed mac and cheese.
  • Reduce the milk slightly so it turns out thicker and less saucy.
  • Chill in a pan until firm, then proceed with cutting, breading, and cooking as above.

Use Pre-Shredded Cheese

  • Yes, freshly shredded melts nicer, but bagged shredded cheese works just fine in this recipe and saves time.

Make Ahead & Freeze

  • Fully assemble and bread the bites.
  • Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
  • Cook from frozen in the air fryer or oven (add a few extra minutes) until hot and crispy.

Allergy & Special Diet Swaps

Everyone deserves cheesy comfort food. Here are some ways to adjust this recipe for common allergies and preferences.

Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Bites

Dairy-Free Option

These won’t be exactly like the original, but still delicious and snackable:
  • Use dairy-free butter and unsweetened dairy-free milk (like oat or soy).
  • Swap in your favorite meltable dairy-free cheese shreds.
  • Check that your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.

Vegetarian

  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as your cheese and breadcrumbs don’t contain animal-based rennet or additives. Check labels if needed.

Egg-Free Breading

  • Instead of egg wash, use a slurry of water and a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to help the breadcrumbs stick.

Tips for Success (So Your Bites Don’t Fall Apart)

  • Chill thoroughly: This is the most important step. If the mac and cheese isn’t very cold and firm, the bites will crumble.
  • Use thicker sauce: Avoid runny mac and cheese. The sauce should be thick enough to cling strongly to the pasta.
  • Don’t skip the flour layer: Flour helps the egg and crumbs stick, giving you a sturdy shell.
  • Cook in small batches: Especially when frying, overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and make bites oily instead of crisp.

Let’s Talk: Did You Make These Copycat Outback Mac & Cheese Bites?

I’d love to hear how these turned out in your kitchen. Did you:
  • Use the air fryer or go full-on deep fry?
  • Try a fun dipping sauce or cheese blend?
  • Serve them for game day, a party, or just a cozy movie night?
Drop a comment with your tweaks and ideas, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family who love Outback Steakhouse appetizers or just can’t resist anything with melted cheese. The more we share our home-cooking wins, the better everyone eats.

Important Disclaimers

This recipe is an independent, home-style copycat created for personal use and enjoyment. It is not the official Outback Steakhouse recipe, and we do not claim to have any insider knowledge of their proprietary methods or ingredients. All references to Outback Steakhouse are for descriptive and identification purposes only.
Affiliate Disclosure: Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog so we can keep sharing more recipes like these copycat Outback mac and cheese bites.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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