Copycat Chick Fil a Mac and Cheese

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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: dinner, lunch, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Copycat Chick Fil a Mac and Cheese

Servings: servings

Calories: 337kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

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 9x13 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

If there is any leftover Mac N Cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge, and it will last up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little splash of milk or heavy cream.

Nutrition