January 8, 2024
Review RecipeChick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe, a delightful and easy-to-follow homemade version that brings the beloved fast-food classic to your own kitchen.
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Savor the cheesy goodness of Chick Fil A mac and cheese with this easy-to-follow recipe. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this beloved favorite side dish at home.
Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients
Elbow macaroni serves as the base of this dish, while flour thickens the sauce, butter adds richness, and a combination of milk and heavy cream creates a velvety texture.
Seasonings like salt, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the taste, and a mix of cheese, including Colby jack, gouda, American, and parmesan, contributes to the dish’s cheesy goodness.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of salted butter, sliced into pats
- 1½ cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon of table salt
- ½ teaspoon of white pepper
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 cups of freshly shredded Colby jack cheese (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cups)
- ½ cup of freshly shredded gouda cheese
- ½ cup of freshly shredded American cheese
- ½ cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese
PRO TIP:
We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
Substitutions and Additions
ELBOW MACARONI: For a twist, try using other pasta shapes like penne or rotini in your copycat mac and cheese.
CHEESE: Experiment with different kinds of cheese for unique flavors. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella can be great options.
SEASONINGS: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
BREADCRUMBS: Top the homemade mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture.
PROTEIN: Incorporate cooked chicken, bacon, or ham for a heartier version.
VEGGIES: Mix in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers for added color and nutrition.
How To Make This Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe Recipe
We will show you how to make this creamy mac and cheese so that it tastes just like the famous fast food version.
STEP ONE: Fill a 4 to 5-quart saucepan about two-thirds full with water over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, add the dry elbow macaroni noodles.
Stir often to keep the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 15 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente. The macaroni will bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
Drain the cooked pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. It will also help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy as it sits.
STEP TWO: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP THREE: You can use the same saucepan to make the cheese sauce, or you can use a different saucepan.
Add the sliced butter pats to the saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the quarter cup of flour.
Continue whisking for about two minutes or until you can no longer smell the flour.
STEP FOUR: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking constantly to ensure no lumps remain.
STEP FIVE: Whisk in the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Continue cooking and whisking for four to five minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
STEP SIX: Lower the heat to low. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack, gouda, American cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring just until the cheese is melted. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni.
STEP SEVEN: Lightly spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
STEP EIGHT: Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded Colby jack cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the shredded cheddar jack is melted and the filling is bubbly. You can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
You do not want the top to be browned. Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your mac and cheese as the suggested baking time approaches.
How To Serve
Enhance your copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese experience by serving it with a variety of accompaniments:
You can pair it with a simple green or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Serve it as the perfect side dish alongside grilled chicken, chicken tenders, or barbecue ribs for a hearty meal.
Enjoy it as a main course with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
If you are a fan of Chick Fil A, we have a few other copycat recipes to check out. Our Chick Fil A lemonade and Chick Fil A sauce recipe both taste like the real thing.
MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES
Storage
If you are planning ahead or have leftovers, we have a few handy tips for storing your mac and cheese.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this mac n cheese recipe in advance, refrigerate it before baking, and then bake it when ready to serve.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to two to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
REHEATING: Reheat in the oven for a crispy top, or use the microwave for a quick fix. Be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Why We Love This Recipe
CREAMY COMFORT: We adore this delicious mac and cheese recipe for its creamy, comforting texture that wraps you in a warm embrace with every bite.
CHEESY PERFECTION: The combination of cheeses in this dish creates a perfect mix of flavors, making it irresistibly cheesy.
EASY TO MAKE AT HOME: With straightforward steps, this recipe offers the joy of homemade comfort food without the hassle.
Chick Fil A mac and cheese is a beloved dish that offers a comforting and cheesy experience. With easy make-ahead options and the ability to customize it to your liking, this recipe is a must-try for all mac and cheese enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Feel free to experiment with pasta shapes, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make it more indulgent?
Consider adding bacon or a breadcrumb topping for extra decadence.
Can I make this copycat recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add sautéed veggies for extra goodness.
Can I prepare it in advance?
You can assemble and refrigerate it before baking for convenience.
Can I make this simple recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from being too thick?
Adjust the milk or cream quantity to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
What if I don’t have all the listed cheeses?
You can use a different combination of cheeses based on what you have on hand for this homemade Chick Fil A mac and cheese.
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- Bacon Mac and Cheese
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Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe, a delightful and easy-to-follow homemade version that brings the beloved fast-food classic to your own kitchen.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cups)
- ½ cup gouda cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup American cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Fill a 4 to 5-quart saucepan about ⅔ full with water over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, add the dry elbow macaroni. Stir often to keep the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente. The macaroni will bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. It will also help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy as it sits.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- You can use the same saucepan to make the cheese sauce, or you can use a different saucepan. Add the sliced butter pats to the saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the ¼ cup flour. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes or until you can no longer smell the flour.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking constantly to ensure no lumps remain.
- Whisk in the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking and whisking for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Lower the heat to low. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack, gouda, American cheese, and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring just until the cheese is melted. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni.
- Lightly spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the shredded Colby jack is melted and the filling is bubbly. You can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. You do not want the top to be browned. Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your mac and cheese as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 686IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 1mg
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