Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac Cheese by Todd Wilbur

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Indulge in the creamy, flavor-packed decadence of the Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac & Cheese by Todd Wilbur, a gourmet spin on a classic comfort dish. This irresistible recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoky Gouda, and nutty Parmesan. Elevated with a touch of heat from cayenne and paprika, plus the sweetness of roasted red peppers, this mac and cheese is anything but ordinary. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes and is finished with a fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re searching for the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe, this iconic, restaurant-inspired creation will leave everyone craving more!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

14 items

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Half-and-half
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Gouda cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 cup Diced roasted red peppers (jarred or freshly roasted)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

📝 Instructions

11 steps

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

4. Gradually pour in the half-and-half, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.

5. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.

6. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Gouda cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce.

7. Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, mixing well.

8. Stir in the diced roasted red peppers for an additional burst of flavor.

9. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

10. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

11. Serve hot and enjoy the indulgent flavors of this Hard Rock Cafe-inspired dish!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (424.6g)

Calories		1077
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		73.9 g	95%
	Saturated Fat	46.3 g	231%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.8 g
Cholesterol		230 mg	77%
Sodium		1867 mg	81%
Total Carbohydrate		61.1 g	22%
	Dietary Fiber	3.0 g	11%
	Total Sugars	10.2 g
Protein		50.5 g	101%
Vitamin D		0.3 mcg	2%
Calcium		1250 mg	96%
Iron		2.5 mg	14%
Potassium		396 mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2655 cal (59.9%%)

Protein: 805 cal (18.1%%)

Carbs: 976 cal (22.0%%)