BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is my favorite comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so good. But I tried a version at BJ’s Restaurant that changed my mind. They use couscous instead of noodles!

This dish became popular because it feels new yet familiar. Fans of BJ’s still order it for the bold cheese flavor and soft texture that feels extra filling. People love this dish for its rich flavor and fun texture.

I liked it so much, so I make the copycat BJ’s couscous mac and cheese recipe copycat at home.

What Is BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese?

BJ’s couscous mac and cheese is a creative reimagining of traditional macaroni and cheese that replaces standard pasta with Israeli pearl couscous.

This dish became a fan favorite at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, earning a dedicated following among guests who crave its unique texture and rich flavor.

What Makes It Unique:

• Pearl Couscous Base: Instead of elbow macaroni or shells, the dish uses larger Israeli pearl couscous that provides a chewy, satisfying mouthfeel unlike regular pasta.
• Multi-Cheese Sauce: A blend of sharp cheddar, gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan creates depth, richness, and sophisticated flavor that elevates comfort food.
• Perfect Texture: The couscous absorbs cheese sauce evenly without becoming mushy, maintaining that satisfying bite throughout eating.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe is surprisingly accessible for home cooks and delivers results that match the restaurant version beautifully.

Is BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Still on the Menu?

The availability of BJ’s couscous mac and cheese can vary by location and time. As of 2025, many BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse locations continue to offer the Fried Couscous Mac & Cheese Balls as an appetizer, though menu offerings can change seasonally or by region.

Current Menu Status:

• The fried appetizer version remains popular at most locations
• Some locations may offer it as a side dish option
• Limited-time offerings and regional variations may occur
• Always check with your local BJ’s for current availability

Why Menu Items Change – Restaurant chains regularly rotate menu items based on:

• Seasonal ingredients and trends
• Customer feedback and sales data
• Kitchen efficiency and ingredient availability
• New product testing and innovation

What Type of Couscous and Cheeses Are Used in BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese

The Couscous Component
Israeli Pearl Couscous (Ptitim) – BJ’s uses Israeli pearl couscous, which is distinctly different from traditional North African couscous:

• Size: Larger pearls (about peppercorn-sized) vs. tiny granules
• Texture: Chewy and pasta-like with a satisfying bite
• Cooking Method: Toasted before boiling for nutty flavor
• Sauce Absorption: Holds cheese sauce without becoming mushy
• Brand Options: Bob’s Red Mill, RiceSelect, or store brands work well

The Cheese Blend
While BJ’s keeps their exact recipe proprietary, the multi-cheese approach typically includes:
Primary Cheeses:

• Sharp Cheddar (40%): Provides the classic mac and cheese flavor with tangy notes
• Gruyère (25%): Adds nutty, sophisticated depth and excellent melting properties
• Fontina (20%): Contributes creaminess and mild sweetness
• Parmesan (15%): Offers salty, umami complexity and helps thicken the sauce

Why This Combination Works:

• Melting Power: All cheeses have good melting capabilities for smooth sauce
• Flavor Layers: Each cheese contributes different flavor notes
• Texture Balance: The blend prevents greasiness or stringiness
• Color: Creates an appealing golden-orange hue

BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous): Pearl couscous forms the base of this dish. Its round, chewy pearls are bigger than regular couscous. They hold sauce well and give a satisfying bite. Toast it lightly before cooking for extra flavor. You can substitute with orzo pasta for a similar texture.
• 1 ½ cups water: Water cooks the couscous until tender. Use the amount listed on your couscous package. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth for more flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides the classic, tangy cheese flavor. Sharp cheddar works best for a bold taste, while mild cheddar gives a softer flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly shredded melts smoother.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the cheese sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for a sharper flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Butter makes the sauce rich and smooth and adds a creamy texture to the couscous. You can use unsalted or salted butter. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter.
• ¼ cup milk (additional): Milk creates a creamy, pourable cheese sauce. Whole milk works best for richness, but low-fat milk or cream can be used. Non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk also works.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create a crunchy, golden topping. Panko breadcrumbs give the best texture, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work too. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumbs): Melted butter coats the breadcrumbs so they toast evenly in the oven, creating a crispy, golden topping. Olive oil or plant-based butter can be substituted.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper season the dish perfectly. Add a little at a time and taste as you go. Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan – Cooks the couscous evenly
2. Wooden spoon or spatula – Stirs ingredients smoothly
3. Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate measurements
4. Small mixing bowl – Combines breadcrumbs and butter
5. 9×9-inch baking dish – Holds the couscous mixture
6. Oven – Bakes and browns the dish
7. Grater – Shreds cheese for best melting
8. Whisk (optional) – Helps blend cheese sauce

How to Make BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese

Step 1 | Cook the pearl couscous

Put the pearl couscous and 1½ cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add a small pinch of salt. Place the pot on high heat and bring the water to a boil. Stir once, then lower the heat to medium-low.

Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir once or twice so it doesn’t stick. When all the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender with a slight chew, turn off the heat and leave it in the pot.

Step 2 | Make the creamy cheese sauce

Keep the pot on the stove over low heat. Add the butter to the warm couscous and stir until it melts completely. Pour in the milk and mix well to loosen the couscous. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3 | Prepare the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spoon the cheesy couscous into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula so the top is smooth.

Step 4 | Add the breadcrumb topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until fully coated. If you like extra cheese, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar over the couscous first. Evenly spread the buttered breadcrumbs on top, covering the entire surface.

Step 5 | Bake until golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The breadcrumbs should turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should bubble around the edges. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6 | Cool and serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Scoop into servings and enjoy the BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Recipe warm.

Tips for Perfect Couscous Mac and Cheese

• Don’t overcook the couscous: Pearl couscous should be tender with a slight chew. Overcooking makes it mushy.
• Keep the heat low when melting cheese: Low heat prevents the cheese from separating and turning greasy.
• Use block cheese when possible: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
• Toast breadcrumbs for extra crunch: Lightly toasting them first adds deeper flavor and a crispier topping.
• Broil carefully: Broiling works fast: watch closely so the topping doesn’t burn.

Best Toppings for Couscous Mac and Cheese

1. Crunchy toppings are my favorite. Buttery breadcrumbs are classic. Crushed crackers add salt. Fried onions give a savory crunch. For something different, try crushed potato chips or crispy bacon bits on top.
2. Fresh toppings add a nice pop. Chop some parsley or chives and sprinkle them on. Sliced green onions are good too. A few halved cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy bite.
3. Indulgent toppings make it extra special. Add more shredded cheese before baking. A little drizzle of truffle oil tastes fancy. For a sweet and spicy twist, try a bit of hot honey.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese

This dish works well as a main dish or a side. I like pairing it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for balance. You can add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the cheese.

Garlic bread or soft rolls help scoop up every bite. When serving guests, you may add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for color and texture.

For protein, you can serve baked salmon or turkey cutlets nearby. These sides keep the plate balanced and filling without taking attention away from the couscous dish.

Storage & Leftovers Reheating Guide

Storage: Let the dish cool fully. Put leftovers in a sealed container. Keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating Process:

1. Microwave Method: Put a portion in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of milk. Cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
2. Stovetop Method: Warm the couscous in a small pot over low heat. Add a splash of milk and stir often until hot.
3. Oven Method: Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Add a little milk on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warm, about 15 minutes.

Freezing Instructions: I do not recommend freezing this one. The dairy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs

1. Is BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Vegetarian?

Yes, this homemade copycat recipe is vegetarian. The main ingredients are couscous, cheese, butter, and milk. Always check your specific cheese labels if you need strict vegetarian cheese made with non-animal rennet. The version at the restaurant might use different ingredients, so you should ask them directly.

2. Why Does BJ’s Use Couscous Instead of Pasta?

Couscous offers a different eating experience. Israeli pearl couscous has a unique, chewy texture that is fun and satisfying. The little pearls hold the thick cheese sauce perfectly without getting soggy. It is a creative twist that makes their mac and cheese memorable and different from every other version.

3. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

I do not recommend it for this specific recipe. The couscous can easily become mushy with slow, wet cooking. The best method is to cook the couscous separately on the stove, then mix in the cheese and bake it. This keeps the texture just right.

4. Is BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free?

Regular couscous is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free pearl couscous made from brown rice or corn. You will also need to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Always check all your labels carefully.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes. Breadcrumbs stay crisp if added fresh.

The BJ’s Couscous Mac and Cheese Recipe blends creamy cheese with chewy couscous for a comforting dish that feels familiar and new.

With clear steps and simple ingredients, this version brings that well-known flavor right into your kitchen.