Do you ever daydream about irresistible Chick-fil-A mac and cheese? Well, you’re not alone!
There’s just something about that creamy, cheesy concoction that has us all returning for more. With this copycat recipe, you don’t have to drive to Chick-fil-A every time the craving hits.
It’s so easy to whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish right in your kitchen. This tried-and-true homemade Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe is totally spot-on.
Plus, you’ll find tips and tricks for making the ultimate comfort food.
Get ready to enjoy some homemade, piping hot, cheesy goodness.
Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Skip the drive-thru! This recipe is all about bringing tasty Chick-fil-A joy right into your kitchen.
It’s made with tender pasta bathed in a luscious cheese sauce with a trifecta of cheeses. This dish has American, Parmesan, and Romano for the ultimate cheesy delight.
Keep reading and improve your day with a creamy, cheesy forkful!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this copycat recipe:
- Pasta – This recipe calls for elbow macaroni pasta, a classic choice for mac and cheese.
- Cheeses – I used a mix of American, Parmesan, and Romano cheese for a cheesy, melty treat. For the topping, I use grated Colby Jack cheese.
- Butter – It’s used to create the roux that thickens the sauce.
- Flour – Combined with the butter, flour makes a roux that helps thicken your cheese sauce.
- Heavy Cream – It adds a rich and creamy element to the sauce and helps create a smoother texture.
- Whole Milk – It’s used along with the heavy cream to form the base of the cheese sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Making this homemade mac and cheese couldn’t be easier.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni pasta and cook until it’s al dente.
3. Create a roux. Melt the butter in a separate large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Make the sauce. Pour the heavy cream and whole milk slowly into the roux while whisking to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce simmers and thickens.
5. Add the cheese to the sauce. Lower the heat and add the American cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Grate your cheese for the best results.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, stirring until coated. Season it with salt and pepper.
7. Prepare the mac and cheese. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
8. Bake the mac and cheese. Place the mac and cheese in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
9. Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
10. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
Making the best macaroni and cheese comes down to key elements. Here are some tips to help you craft the creamiest, most flavorful mac and cheese:
- Undercook your pasta! Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Choose your cheeses. Combining cheeses can add depth to your mac and cheese. A sharp cheddar is necessary, but you can mix in other melty cheeses.
- Make it great by grating. Grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
- Skip the cold ingredients. If every ingredient, especially the liquids, is at room temperature, it’ll mix well.
Variations
To level up your mac and cheese, try these incredible variations:
- Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese – Add cooked bacon and sliced jalapenos for a smoky and spicy flavor profile.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Add shredded buffalo chicken to the mac and cheese. Top it with some crumbled blue cheese for an extra tang.
- Lobster or Crab Mac and Cheese – Mix in cooked lobster or crab meat. This version is a bit fancy and deliciously indulgent.
- Vegan Mac and Cheese – You can use nutritional yeast, cashews, and almond milk to make a creamy, vegan “cheese” sauce. Add some sauteed veggies for extra nutrients.
- Mexican-Style Mac and Cheese – Add taco seasoning to your mac and cheese. You can even mix in some ground beef for a filling protein kick.
- Truffle Mac and Cheese – Add a drizzle of truffle oil and some sauteed mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
- Pizza Mac and Cheese – Stir in marinara sauce, pepperoni, and extra mozzarella. You can even add some sautéed bell peppers and onions.
- Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese – Add cooked pulled pork and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a Southern spin.
- Crunchy Mac and Cheese – Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for texture contrast.
- Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese – Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, peas, or wilted spinach for a healthy, indulgent treat.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
For a truly satisfying feast, serve your mac and cheese with these accompaniments:
- Chicken Milanese
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Little Smokies
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Albers Cornbread
- Ambrosia Fruit Salad
- KFC Coleslaw
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover mac and cheese, here’s how to keep it fresh:
To Store: Keep the mac and cheese in an air-tight container and refrigerate it. It’ll keep for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the pasta might get mushy when thawed.
To Reheat: Use one of these easy methods to heat it up.
- Microwave: This is the quickest way to reheat mac and cheese. Reheat individual portions on medium at 30-second intervals. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 F. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying. Depending on the quantity, it should take about 20-30 minutes to heat through.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ina Garten Mac and Cheese
Original Kraft Mac and Cheese
Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
12
servings10
minutes20
minutes494
kcalThis copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A mac and cheese is just like the real deal! With 4 different kinds of cheese, it’s creamy, dreamy, and delicious!
Ingredients
2 cups (16 oz) elbow macaroni pasta
2 tsp salt, divided
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup American cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Romano cheese, shredded
1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt and the elbow macaroni pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a separate large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, constantly stirring to avoid burning.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while continuing to whisk the mixture. This will help to ensure a smooth sauce. Cook this mixture until it begins to simmer, and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Lower the heat and add the American cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. It’s best to grate your cheese if possible.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain well and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Stir until all the pasta is coated. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the mac and cheese. Bake it in the pre-heated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- 10. Enjoy your homemade copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese!
