When you’re craving ultimate comfort food, Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders always delivers. Creamy pasta, crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy sauce make it a dish that feels indulgent and worth every bite.
The good news? You don’t have to head out to Applebee’s to enjoy it. With a few simple steps and some pantry staples, you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite right in your kitchen.
From the gooey cheese sauce to the crunchy golden chicken, this recipe brings together the best of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Let’s dive in and make this fan-favorite meal at home.
What Does Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Taste Like?
Imagine tender spirals of pasta covered in a velvety four-cheese sauce. Every bite is cheesy, creamy, and just the right level of rich without being too heavy.
Then comes the chicken: juicy tenders coated in a crispy crust, tossed in a honey pepper glaze that’s both sweet and slightly spicy. The balance of flavors is mouthwatering.
Finally, it’s all topped with smoky bacon and served with a warm breadstick. It’s a true flavor explosion-comforting, bold, and just as good as dining at Applebee’s.
Ingredients Required for Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
For the Cheese Sauce & Pasta:
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Asiago cheese
- 1 lb cavatappi (spiral pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups seasoned flour mixture
- Oil for frying
For Serving:
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 breadstick (store-bought or frozen)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Saucepan
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Large pot (for pasta)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Copycat Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese at home
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce
Start by combining pineapple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground black pepper in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce. Once ready, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt half a stick of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until the butter is fully incorporated. Gradually add in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Dip chicken tenders into buttermilk, coating them thoroughly. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. This double layer creates the perfect crispy coating once fried.
Step 5: Fry and Glaze the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 365°F. Fry chicken tenders for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl, pour the honey pepper sauce over them, and toss until fully coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon creamy mac and cheese onto a plate, top with glazed chicken tenders, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside a warm breadstick for the complete Applebee’s experience.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
1. With Garlic Breadsticks – Honestly, nothing beats tearing into warm, garlicky breadsticks while scooping up that creamy mac and cheese. We’ve tried it, and it’s a carb-lover’s dream.
2. Side Salad for Freshness – After a couple of bites of the rich cheese sauce, we like balancing things out with a crisp Caesar or garden salad. The crunch and tangy dressing really cut through the richness.
3. Roasted Veggies – We’ve paired it with roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and it makes the meal feel more complete. Plus, the roasted flavor works so well with the honey pepper chicken.
4. Extra Bacon Crumbles – Yes, there’s bacon already on top, but trust us-adding a little extra crispy bacon makes it even more indulgent.
5. Pickles on the Side – This might sound odd, but we once served it with dill pickles on the side, and the tangy bite actually balanced the sweet honey pepper glaze perfectly.
6. Buffalo-Style Twist – Sometimes we toss half the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of honey pepper. It gives you a spicy-sweet combo that’s seriously addictive.
7. Corn on the Cob – We’ve had this dish with buttery corn on the cob, and it was like a classic Southern comfort food feast. Sweet corn plus cheesy pasta? Yes, please.
8. With a Cold Drink – A fizzy soda or even a light beer goes perfectly with this heavy dish. We’ve found it helps reset your taste buds between bites.
9. As a Party Platter – We once served this as a big family-style dish at a gathering, with the mac and cheese in one big pan and the chicken tenders on the side. Everyone got to build their own plate-it was a hit.
10. Topped with Jalapeños – If you like a little kick, fresh or pickled jalapeños sprinkled on top make every bite pop with heat. We tried it once and now it’s one of our favorite add-ons.
Some Tips on This Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
1. Cook pasta just right – Don’t make it too soft. Stop when it’s a little firm, so it won’t get mushy later.
2. Use real cheese – Fresh shredded cheese melts better and tastes yummier than bagged cheese.
3. Stir the cheese sauce slow – Keep the heat low and stir often so it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Fry chicken hot and quick – Make sure the oil is hot before frying. This keeps the chicken crispy.
5. Don’t skip the sauce – The honey pepper sauce is what makes the chicken so tasty. Toss it well!
6. Add bacon at the end – Sprinkle the bacon on top just before serving. It stays crunchy this way.
7. Breadstick hack – Warm store-bought breadsticks in the oven and brush with butter for a fresh taste.
8. Mix pasta right before serving – Don’t let it sit in the sauce too long or it will soak up too much.
9. Taste as you go – Try the sauce and cheese mix while cooking. Add more sugar, pepper, or cheese if you like.
10. Serve hot and fresh – This dish tastes best when eaten right away while the cheese is gooey and the chicken is crispy.
How to Store and Reheat Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, and crisp chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce
Start by combining pineapple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground black pepper in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce. Once ready, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt half a stick of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until the butter is fully incorporated. Gradually add in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Dip chicken tenders into buttermilk, coating them thoroughly. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. This double layer creates the perfect crispy coating once fried.
Step 5: Fry and Glaze the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 365°F. Fry chicken tenders for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl, pour the honey pepper sauce over them, and toss until fully coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon creamy mac and cheese onto a plate, top with glazed chicken tenders, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside a warm breadstick for the complete Applebee’s experience.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese that people often ask.
1. What cheese goes in 4 cheese mac and cheese?
From our experience, the classic combo includes mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and asiago. Together, they create a creamy, stretchy, and tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
2. How many carbs are in Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese?
The restaurant version has around 128–140 carbs per serving. When we make it at home, it varies based on pasta choice. If you want to lower carbs, we’ve swapped the pasta for cauliflower, and it still tastes amazing.
3. What cheeses melt best in mac & cheese?
Cheddar is always a winner for smooth meltiness. Mozzarella adds a stretchy texture, and asiago or parmesan bring sharpness. We’ve found that using a mix balances flavor and creaminess perfectly.
4. Can I use a different pasta shape for this Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Yes, totally! We often use cavatappi because it holds the cheese sauce so well. But penne, elbow macaroni, or shells work great too. The key is picking a pasta with curves or ridges.
5. What’s the secret to Applebee’s honey pepper chicken tenders?
It’s the sauce! Pineapple juice, lemon, brown sugar, and black pepper simmer into a sweet-spicy glaze. We always toss the fried chicken in the sauce while it’s still warm so it soaks up all that flavor.
6. Do I have to fry the chicken, or can I bake it instead?
We’ve tried both! Frying gives the best crunch, but baking works if you want it lighter. Just coat the chicken well and bake at 400°F until crispy.
7. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but we recommend making it fresh. If we store it, we keep it in the fridge for a day or two and reheat slowly with a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess.
8. Is the bacon really necessary?
Honestly, the dish is delicious even without it. But let’s be real-bacon always makes things better. We usually add it because the smoky crunch balances the rich cheese sauce.
9. How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?
It’s more sweet than spicy. The black pepper gives just a little kick. When we want extra heat, we add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne.
10. What side dishes go well with this Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese?
Since it’s so rich, we usually pair it with something fresh-like a side salad or roasted veggies. But if we’re going all out, garlic breadsticks or coleslaw are perfect.
Applebee’s Four Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is comfort food at its finest-creamy, cheesy pasta paired with crispy honey pepper chicken and smoky bacon. Making it at home gives you restaurant-quality flavor without the wait.
Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner or weekend treat. And don’t forget to share your delicious results with us in the comments below! Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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