If you’ve ever craved that rich, creamy comfort of a fast-food classic done just right, you’re going to love diving into this Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe. This version transforms the beloved dish into something you can create from scratch at home, with perfectly tender pasta enveloped in a luscious blend of cheddar, American, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of mac and cheese that’s creamy yet satisfying, with layers of flavor and a texture that’ll keep you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe captures all the magic of the original with that homemade flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each one is simple but essential, contributing to the creamy texture, sharp cheesy taste, and that irresistible baked finish.
- 16 ounces dry elbow pasta: The classic shape holds cheese sauce beautifully, making each bite delightful.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and depth while creating the base for the roux.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Works with butter to thicken the sauce to that perfect velvety consistency.
- 2½ cups milk: Provides creaminess and moisture, balancing the cheese’s intensity.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the cheese.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that cuts through the richness.
- 1½ cups freshly grated yellow cheddar cheese (divided): Brings a sharp, tangy tone that’s visually inviting.
- 1½ cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese (divided): Offers a mellow, creamy contrast complementing the yellow cheddar.
- 8 slices American cheese (diced): Melts smoothly for that ultra-creamy texture typical of Chick Fil A’s mac.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty savory accents that deepen the flavor profile.
- ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese: Enhances complexity with its bold, salty punch.
How to Make Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures the mac won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting you up for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow pasta. Cook it just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking later with the sauce and in the oven. Drain and set aside to prepare your cheese sauce while the pasta rests.
Step 3: Start the Roux
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour carefully, maintaining a constant stir to prevent lumps, cooking for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat. This roux forms the creamy base you need for the sauce’s luxurious texture.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk along with salt and black pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Keep the heat down to avoid burning. This step is crucial because the thickened base will hold all those cheeses together perfectly.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Gradually stir in the cheeses—starting with 1 cup each of yellow and white cheddar, then add the diced American cheese, Parmesan, and Romano. Take your time so everything melts evenly and creates that dreamy, smooth sauce without curdling.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Cheese Sauce
Gently fold the cooked pasta into your rich cheese sauce until every piece is fully coated. This gentle mixing keeps the noodles intact while ensuring maximum cheesiness in every bite.
Step 7: Transfer and Top
Pour the cheesy noodles into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining yellow and white cheddar cheeses on top—this topping will melt during baking to create a golden, bubbly crust that’s simultaneously crispy and gooey.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the mac and cheese at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the cheese on top browns slightly. This final step melds all the flavors together and gives the dish that irresistible baked appeal.
How to Serve Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a subtle herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also enhance flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For something heartier, BBQ ribs or grilled chicken are perfect companions, creating a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for a cute, personal touch at parties or family dinners. You can also layer it with cooked bacon or caramelized onions inside the dish for extra flair, or swirl in a bit of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens upon standing, so it becomes even creamier when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers and make sure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow pasta is traditional and perfect for cheese sauce adherence, you can use shells, cavatappi, or even rotini without compromising the dish’s integrity.
What if I don’t have all the cheese types listed?
The combination of cheeses is what gives this recipe its unique flavor, but if you’re missing Parmesan or Romano, simply increase the cheddar quantities slightly. Using good-quality cheddar will keep it delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, it freezes and reheats wonderfully. Just be sure to store it properly in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier or add more flavor?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or stirring in some diced jalapeños before baking can give the mac and cheese a spicy kick. Alternatively, smoky paprika or a splash of hot sauce work great too.
What’s the best way to prevent the mac and cheese from drying out when baking?
Using enough cheese sauce and baking at a moderate temperature (350°F) helps keep it moist. Covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking can also prevent excess drying, uncovering it near the end for a bubbly crust.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe enough if you love rich, deeply cheesy comfort food with a little homemade love. It’s a wonderful way to recreate that fast-food favorite at home but with your own touch of TLC. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a party, or simply indulging on a cozy night in, this mac and cheese will quickly become a new classic in your recipe rotation. So grab those ingredients and get ready to dive into some seriously satisfying cheesy goodness!
Print
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chick-fil-A inspired Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent homemade version of the restaurant favorite. Featuring a rich blend of yellow and white cheddar, American, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, combined with perfectly cooked elbow pasta and baked to bubbly golden perfection, this dish is ideal for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry elbow pasta (1 box)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (½ stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ cups freshly grated yellow cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1½ cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 slices American cheese (diced)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (slightly undercooked). Drain the pasta and set it aside; it will finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
- Make Roux: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasoning: Slowly whisk in the milk, adding the kosher salt and ground black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Melt Cheeses: Gradually add cheeses to the thickened sauce to ensure smooth melting and prevent curdling. Stir in 1 cup yellow cheddar, 1 cup white cheddar, all diced American cheese, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Cook until all cheeses are completely melted and combined.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Gently fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining yellow and white cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
- Using a blend of different cheeses creates a complex, creamy flavor profile similar to Chick-fil-A’s classic mac and cheese.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta in boiling water since it will continue to cook in the sauce and oven, preventing mushiness.
- Whisk the roux consistently to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth cheese sauce.
- For a crispier topping, consider broiling the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
