Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese has become a popular recipe among food enthusiasts who want to recreate the taste of the famous fast-food chain’s side dish at home. To make this Copycat Chick-fil-A dish, you need just a few simple ingredients, including elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and a blend of cheeses.
This homemade mac n cheese recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Some people like to add bacon, jalapenos, or breadcrumbs to their mac and cheese for added flavor and texture. Whether you are a fan of Chick-fil-A or just love a good mac and cheese recipe, copycat Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese is a must-try dish.
History of Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Chick-fil-A is a fast-food chain that is known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. However, the chain also offers a variety of sides, including their famous Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was first introduced to the Chick-fil-A menu in 2017 as a limited-time offering. It quickly became a fan favorite and was added to the permanent menu in 2019.
Chick-fil-A’s Mac and Cheese has received positive reviews for its creamy and cheesy texture, as well as its well-balanced flavor. It has become a popular side dish for customers who want to add a little something extra to their meal. Overall, mac and cheese has become a staple on the chain’s menu and continues to be a favorite among customers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: The recipe calls for basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, such as elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and cheese. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this recipe.
- Creamy and cheesy: The mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and cheesy, just like the one you get at Chick-fil-A. The combination of cheddar and American cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will melt in your mouth.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking by adding more or less cheese, using a different type of pasta, or adding some spices or herbs. You can also make a large batch and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
Chick-Fil-a Mac n Cheese Ingredients
Noodles: You will need 1 pound of elbow noodles (macaroni) to make this a traditional mac and cheese.
Butter: Using ¼ cup of butter (half a stick) will make the roux rich and tasty.
Flour: You will need ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to help thicken the cheese mixture.
Salt: Add in 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors in the cheese sauce well.
Paprika: For added color and a little flavor, add in ⅛ teaspoon of ground paprika (about 1 pinch).
Milk: Use 2 cups of whole milk for a creamy and smooth cheese sauce. Anything less than whole milk will affect the desired outcome of this mac & cheese.
Egg: Adding in 1 egg yolk really elevates this cheese sauce by giving it a lot of rich flavor.
Cheeses: You need 8 slices of American cheese, 16-ounces of freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Italian blended cheese, the cheese will be divided up throughout the steps.
How to make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese
Cook noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Then, add in the macaroni noodles and let it boil for 20 minutes. Yes, 20 minutes. While I realize that this goes against everything that you know about cooking noodles, this is very important! The longer boiling time will give you super creamy results as the noodles won’t absorb too much of the cheese sauce & turn the noodles dry.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside until needed.
Cheese sauce
While the noodles are boiling, prepare the cheese sauce.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Next, whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, and constantly stir until combined.
Slowly add in the milk, a little at a time, until fully combined. Continue to whisk and cook for another minute or two or until thickened.
Now, temper the egg yolk by placing it into a small bowl, add a spoonful of the hot milk from the pot into the bowl and whisk together immediately to combine. Wait a minute, and then do it again with a little more milk.
Once complete, add the egg yolk mixture to the milk mixture in the pot and whisk to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and start slowly adding in the cheeses.
Tear the American cheese into pieces and add it to the pot. Then add in half of the cheddar cheese and all of the Italian cheese blend. Whisk together to combine until the cheese has melted.
This could take about 10-12 minutes of constant whisking. You can tell that the cheese has been fully incorporated when you lift the whisk, and the melted cheese is not pulling away from the sauce.
Assemble dish
After all of the cheese has melted, stir in the cooked noodles. Stir gently until everything is incorporated.
Bake
Next, transfer the macaroni and cheese into a 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Place the pan under the broiler in the oven until the cheese top has just browned. Do not take your eyes off of the dish, or else it will burn! Remove from broiler and let cool slightly before serving.
Dish up individual servings and enjoy!
Tips for Making your Mac and Cheese Like Chick-Fil-a
Chick-Fil-a likes to use a blend of parmesan cheese and Romano cheese which is why we choose to use Italian cheese blends that already have these two kinds of cheese in them. And while you can cut time by using already shredded cheddar cheese, I do recommend grating it by hand for the best results because it will give you a much smoother sauce and a better top layer. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents on it, which keep it from smoothly melting and combining fully. Enjoy!
Copycat Chick Fil a Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 8 slices American cheese
- 16 oz freshly grated extra sharp cheddar divided
- 1 cup italian blend cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and boil for a full 20 minutes. (No that is not a typo, cook this pasta for 20 minutes!) Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Cheese sauce: While the noodles are cooking, start the sauce. In a large pot over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt and paprika, stirring constantly. Add the milk a little at a time, whisking it in completely before adding more. Once all the milk has been added, whisk for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is thick.
- Temper the egg yolk by placing it into a small bowl, add a spoonful of the hot milk from the pot into the bowl and whisk together immediately to combine. Wait a minute, and then do it again with a little more milk. Once complete, add the egg yolk mixture to the milk mixture in the pot and whisk to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and begin to add the cheese. Tear the American cheese into pieces and add to the pot. Add in half of the cheddar and all of the Italian blend. Whisk to combine and melt the cheeses consistently, until all the cheese is incorporated into the milk mixture. This might take 10-12 minutes of constant whisking. You can tell that it's fully incorporated when you lift the whisk and melted cheese is not pulling away from the sauce.
- Assemble: When the cheese is all melted and smooth add in the noodles. Stir gently until everything is combined.
- Bake: Place the macaroni and cheese in a 9×13 dish. Top the macaroni and cheese with the other half of the cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler of your oven until just browned. Do not take your eyes off the dish or it will burn! Remove from the oven, cool slightly and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I make macaroni and cheese in advance?
Yes, you can make this copycat mac and cheese in advance. Just keep it in a foil-topped baking dish and store it in the fridge until ready to eat. Then place it in the oven at 350 degrees F until the cheesy noodles are fully warmed through and the top is bubbly and warm (about 30-40 minutes).
How long is leftover mac and cheese good for?
You can keep your leftover mac and cheese in an airtight or tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Any longer than that and the noodles may become dried out.
Can I freeze creamy mac and cheese for later?
Yes, this would make a great freezer meal for later. Simply place it into a disposable baking dish or a freezer-friendly baking dish, and then seal it well to make it airtight. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before heating in the oven until warmed through. Serve warm and enjoy.
How can I refresh mac n’ cheese a few days after it was prepared?
Reheating mac and cheese can be tricky, as it can easily become dry or overcooked. To refresh your leftover mac and cheese, add a splash of milk or cream to the dish and stir well. Then, microwave the mac and cheese on medium power for 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven by placing it in a baking dish, covering it with foil, and baking it at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
What is the best type of cheese to use for mac and cheese?
The best cheese for mac and cheese is a combination of sharp cheddar and a milder cheese. The sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor and the milder cheese adds creaminess. Other good options include Colby, fontina, and gruyere. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it can contain additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Looking for more pasta recipes? We’ve got you covered!
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- CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN PASTA
This chick fil a mac and cheese copycat recipe is one to keep close by for all of those occasions when you want something creamy, cheesy, and too good to resist. Made in your own kitchen, you can skip the takeout lines and pile your plates as high as you want.
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