Do you know what I love about making arby’s white cheddar mac at home? It’s never for a “limited time” because I can make it anytime that I want.

You’ll be amazed by all the cheesy goodness of this classic comfort food. You’ll literally be hooked after the first bite – and will likely never want classic mac ever again! 

And if you don’t have an Arby’s location by you, you don’t have to worry anymore because this recipe tastes like the real deal, and you don’t even have to leave your house for pick up.

Any cheese lover will tell you that this is the best out there! 

Forget about the fast-food chain, and make your own at home for a super affordable price. The recipe card has all the details. 

Arby’s Mac and Cheese

If there’s one thing I can always count on to satisfy my comfort food cravings, it’s a bowl of macaroni and cheese!

You’ll notice I’ve been working my way through all kinds of copycat recipes, from fast food favorites to homestyle restaurant offerings — and next up on the list is Arbys mac and cheese!

The sauce is loaded with sharp, white cheddar flavor and just enough kick from cayenne and white pepper to make things interesting. 

Don’t worry, though… it isn’t spicy. But I won’t stop you if you want to tip those spice jars a little more!

Enjoy as a simple side dish to roast beef sliders, or add all the toppings to make a homemade version of Arby’s loaded mac and cheese — it’s delicious either way!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Elbow Noodles – A classic choice, though cavatappi or penne noodles work just as well. 
  
  Pay close attention to the weight on the package — this recipe calls for 12 ounces instead of a full pound of pasta!
  
• Butter & Flour – Together, these form a roux which helps thicken the cheese sauce. Cook the mixture until browned and bubbly and stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
  
• Milk & Cream – Instead of using equal amounts, I opted for a little more milk than cream. The sauce still thickens up really nicely thanks to the roux and all the cheese!
  
  For a richer dish, feel free to use a little more heavy cream or replace both with just over 2 cups of half-and-half.
  
• Cheese – Nothing fancy here! Just loads of white cheddar which has a nutty, pungent flavor and melts like a dream.
  
• Seasonings – This is where the magic happens! 
  
  Spice this Arby’s macaroni and cheese recipe with onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a savory flavor with a little kick.
  
  Salt the dish to taste (white cheddar is already quite salty) and add a little more heat with white pepper, which will disappear into the sauce better than flecks of black pepper.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Arby’s Loaded Mac and Cheese

• Bring ingredients to room temperature if possible.

One of the best things about this Arby’s macaroni and cheese recipe is how quickly it comes together, but if you have some extra time on your hands, take advantage of it!

Measure out the milk and cream and let them warm on the counter for 30-45 minutes. Shred the cheese while you’re at it too.

You’ll get the smoothest results when you don’t have drastic temperature changes, and the cream sauce will heat faster if the ingredients aren’t cold to start.

• Take the time to build the sauce.

Don’t rush the process — at best you’ll save a couple of minutes, but the results won’t be nearly as delicious.

Melt the butter evenly over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it forms a paste. 

Wait until the mixture turns a light golden brown and smells a little nutty before slowly whisking in the milk and cream. 

This enhances the nuttiness of the cheese and prevents lumps from forming.

Add the seasonings once the sauce has thickened, then stir in the cheese by the handful. 

Give it a quick taste and add more seasonings as needed before adding the cooked noodles.

• Have any toppings ready to go.

This dish is best served right away while hot, so cook and chop your toppings while waiting for the pasta water to come to a boil.

You should be able to make the sauce while the noodles are cooking so everything can be assembled and served at once!

Prep Ahead

• Shred cheese
• Cook chicken bites and bacon (for topping)

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Large Pot and Strainer to cook and drain the pasta.
• Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly and doesn’t burn the sauce.
• Heat-Resistant Spoon – Perfect for cooking, stirring, and serving.
• Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.

Serving Suggestions 

While delicious on its own, you’ll need to add crispy chicken bites, bacon, and Parmesan ranch sauce to make true Arby’s loaded mac and cheese.

Your air fryer will come in handy here — toss in your favorite frozen chicken bites, tenders, or nuggets, then follow with the bacon. 

Or, bake the chicken as directed on one sheet pan while you cook the bacon on another!

I also like to add chopped chives or green onions to homemade Arby’s mac and cheese for a pop of color and freshness. 

Serve with a green salad or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Arbys Mac and Cheese

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

It’s best to reheat Arbys mac and cheese on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently so it warms evenly. Add a splash of milk to make it nice and creamy again.

Arby’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Copycat Mac and Cheese Recipes

Best Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe

Popeyes Homestyle Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

The BEST Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

🍔 Copycat Creations Vol 1
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👉 Buy your copy now and start cooking the meals you love!

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Best Homemade Arby’s Mac and Cheese (Copycat Recipe!)

Arby’s Mac and Cheese may be off the menu, but you can still enjoy it at home with this easy copycat recipe!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 693cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese:

• 12 ounces uncooked elbow noodles
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Toppings:

• 8 ounces frozen fried chicken bites cooked to package instructions
• 6 slices cooked and chopped bacon
• 1/2 cup store-bought parmesan ranch sauce

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
• Add the onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and white pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
• Slowly add the shredded white cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the cooked elbow noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
• Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish or individual plates and top with the chopped bacon, fried chicken bites, and drizzle on the parmesan ranch sauce.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor.

Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and additional flavor.

If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use penne or cavatappi pasta instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 693cal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 669mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published January 2025, updated and republished October 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Best Homemade Arby’s Mac and Cheese (Copycat Recipe!) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

And you can make this Arbys milkshake with ingredients that you already have at home! This copycat recipe tastes like the real thing! Coffee lovers will obsess over this sweet treat! 

If you’re looking for new recipes, cold drinks with a smooth consistency are a must! This is like the perfect combination of cold coffee meets milkshake – perfect for any coffee drinker. 

The simple recipe post below gives you all the steps on how to recreate those famous jamocha shakes right at home! 

Just don’t forget to pick up some chocolate sauce from the store the next time you’re there. 

You’ll want a little bit extra to spoil your taste buds! 

And you can have the whole Arby experience if you whip up a side of curly fries to pair with this popular drink One of my favorite things to do is to dip my fries into my shake – is that just me?! 

Jamocha Shake

If you have ice cream, chocolate syrup, coffee, and milk, then you’ve already got one of these milkshakes hiding in your kitchen. You just need to blend it all together!

My copycat Arbys shake is the spitting image of one of my fast food favorites. But when you make it at home, it’s less expensive and more delicious. 

A win-win! This jamocha shake recipe makes enough for 2 servings and takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make enough for all of your friends, or halve the amounts to make just enough for a lazy night in.

Did you ever think it could be so easy to get your favorite fast food dessert without having to sit in the drive thru? 

You’re about to be your friends’ and family’s favorite chef! They’re going to love the combination of coffee and sweet! 

Milkshakes are such simple desserts, and totally necessary for those months that just keep getting hotter and hotter. 

Luckily, I have tons of milkshake recipes that are quick & easy, like the ultra indulgent Applebee’s Oreo Milkshake or our patriotic freakshake!

And especially coffee inspired shakes, like this jamocha shake copycat and our chocolate Costco Mocha Freeze Copycat!

Sometimes I just crave that classic combination of milkshakes, burgers, and fries. 

Or make that creamy, dreamy cheese pasta you love from the restaurant (that you can’t get anymore) your own kitchen with our Arby’s Mac and Cheese recipe!

Making all of it right at home is an inexpensive and fun way to get the diner experience at your own kitchen table.

Jamocha Shake Recipe Ingredients

• Ice Cream – The original Arby’s jamocha shake has vanilla ice cream, so that’s what I use for a perfect copycat. 
  
  But you can be creative — use coffee ice cream for a stronger espresso flavor or chocolate ice cream to level up the mocha.
  
• Strong Coffee – Brew up a strong batch by adding more grounds or by using less water than you usually do when you make your morning cup of coffee.
  
  You can also make a small batch of coffee for this recipe using instant coffee powder, too. If you want to lower the caffeine content, you could always use decaf coffee. 
  
• Whole Milk – I find that whole milk has the perfect thickness and flavor for making milkshakes. 
  
  You can use a milk substitute, or opt for heavy cream for a super creamy Arbys shake!
  
• Chocolate Syrup – The “mocha” in our jamocha shake! You can’t go wrong with classic Hershey’s or my homemade version.
  
• Whipped Cream – Optionally, but totally recommended! What’s an Arbys milkshake without the whipped cream on top?

Arbys Milkshake Copycat Tips and Tricks

• Use chilled ingredients.

Make sure that all of the ingredients are cold before mixing. The coffee, the milk, the syrup — everything! It’s the best way to avoid a thin, melty jamocha shake.

• Use the pulse button.

Instead of blending on high right away, try pulsing the mixture bit by bit. 

Not only does this help you control the thickness, but keeping the blender running for an extended period of time will cause it to heat up and melt the shake! 

• Made your shake too thick? 

Simply add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, to thin out your Arbys shake to the perfect consistency!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Blender – A high power blender is a must in every kitchen.
• Milkshake Glasses – These have extra room for every last drop. Don’t forget to get them nice and frosty in the freezer first!

Arby’s Jamocha Shake FAQ

Prep Ahead Instructions 

There’s only so much you can do to prepare this jamocha shake recipe ahead of time.

The best thing you can do is make the coffee well in advance so that it has plenty of time to cool in the fridge. 

Brewed coffee lasts for up to 4 days refrigerated, so you can make it pretty far ahead of time!

How To Store a Milkshake 

I recommend serving and drinking Arby’s shakes immediately. 

If you really want to, you could freeze and re-blend them, but the texture just won’t be the same — you’ll lose a lot of the creaminess.

And, if you do freeze your shake, then do so without the whipped cream and chocolate syrup on top.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Milkshake Recipes

🍔 Copycat Creations Vol 1
Craving your favorite restaurant meals at home? This exclusive ebook has the boldest, most requested copycat recipes — from fast food faves to sit-down classics.

👉 Buy your copy now and start cooking the meals you love!

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Jamocha Shake (Arby’s Copycat 4-Ingredient Recipe)

Arby's® Jamocha Shake is a cool, sweet treat that’ll save you from the blistering heat! It's literally perfect for a hot summer day! 

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Blender

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 485cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• blender

Ingredients

• 3 cups vanilla ice cream
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso cooled completely
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions

• Place two tall milkshake glasses in the freezer to chill while making the shakes.
• Place ice cream, cold coffee, milk, and chocolate syrup in the bowl of a blender.
• Pulse to blend together ice cream. Add up to ¼ cup additional milk as needed to thin the shake.
• Divide Jamocha shake evenly into two glasses.
• Top with whipped cream and additional chocolate syrup, if desired.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

1. Leftover shake can be placed in the freezer and re-blended, but this is best consumed immediately.
2. It’s important that all of the ingredients are very cold before making the Jamocha shake. The espresso/coffee needs to be completely cooled (it’s best to refrigerate it or even stick it in the freezer after brewing until it is cold). If the coffee is still warm, it will begin melting the ice cream and change the consistency of the finished shake into a much thinner one.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 recipe | Calories: 485cal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 186mg | Sugar: 53g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published May 2022, updated and republished May 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Jamocha Shake (Arby’s Copycat 4-Ingredient Recipe) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.