Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves Chick-Fil-A, including my whole family. So if I can save money and make a copycat recipe, I am all for it. I’m not talking about their crispy waffle fries today, but their creamy mac n cheese recipe!
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
I’m diving headfirst into comfort food heaven today, with a homemade twist on Chick-Fil-A’s Mac and Cheese.
Trust me, your kids are going to think you went through the drive-thru without them! All that is missing is the paper bowls:)
We love Chick-Fil-A in our house. I think we eat there a few times a week just because it’s easy and I don’t feel gross after eating there food like I do after I from other fast-food chains. Although I do love a burger!
I will admit I am totally in love with their nuggets and Chick Fil A sauce, and a recent convert to waffle fries. But I totally flipped when they started serving macaroni and cheese.
I could eat it every day this menu item but I am not sure my wallet can handle it. So I came up with my own version of this quintessential comfort food.
The secret is all in the combination of cheeses in that creamy sauce that you don’t get with classic macaroni and cheese. Let me show you how!
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
If you want the flavor as close to the Chick-fil-A original, I recommend using this special blend of cheeses. If not, you can use all cheddar cheese and still get a great homemade mac & cheese.
And grate or shred your own as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Where do you find the large elbow noodles like Chick-fil-A?
Elbow macaroni are the most popular but there are a few brands that make larger ones. I like There are a few brands that make large elbow noodles.
Ronzoni and Barilla make them or you can substitute ziti, penne, or medium sized shells. I make cheesy pasta with orzo shapes like in this Parmesan Orzo recipe, but use the big noodles here!
You can also use egg noodles like I do in this cafeteria noodle recipe. It’s just up to you!
Serving Suggestions
While I usually enjoy this side option with my nuggets and kale salad, you can serve it with just about anything!
When I make it for a weekday family dinner, I serve it as a side dish with rotisserie chicken, pork chops, and even meatloaf.
Along with a simple salad, some green veggies like broccoli or green beans, and dinner rolls for getting up all that sauce.
Ingredients Needed
Pasta – Elbow macaroni noodles. Find a slightly larger size than normal or use what you have.
Butter – This recipe calls for salted butter or use unsalted and add a pinch more salt.
Flour – I have only tested this recipe with all purpose flour and not flour alternatives.
Milk – Whole milk will give you the creamiest mac and cheese.
Cheese – Yellow cheddar, white cheddar, American cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese.
Pantry staples – Salt, black pepper.
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How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese
First: Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Second: Cook the macaroni noodles to al dente in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
Third: Return the same large pot (empty) to the stovetop and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and reduce the temperature to medium low.
Cook for 3-5 minutes while whisking to cook out the raw flour taste.
Fourth: Slowly add the milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and cool until the sauce begins to thicken. Roughly 4-5 minutes.
Fifth: Stir in the cheeses (save 1 cup for the top) in small batches until all of the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Sixth: Remove from the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni noodles. Spread into the prepared baking dish and spread remaining cheese on top.
Seventh: Bake 15-20 minutes or until the mac & cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove and let cool 2-3 minutes. Serve warm.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
How long does it last?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature for best results.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, I like to make it and put it in the refrigerator for a few days before I need to serve it.
When ready to bake it, pull out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to bring it close to room temperature. This ensures that it heats evenly.
Can I freeze it?
This copycat Chick-Fil A recipe is perfect for freezing for 2-3 months. After baking, let it cool completely first, then transfer it into a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until it’s heated through.
Remember, freezing might change the texture a bit, but it’s still a great option if you need to make it ahead of time or make a double batch.
More Copycat Recipes
- Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese
- Zoes Chicken Salad Recipe
- Columbia’s 1905 Salad
- PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans
Tips for No Leftovers
- I recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts smoother and better.
- Using whole milk makes this a very creamy cheese sauce. Add a splash of heavy cream for more creaminess!
- Try and use as many of the different types of cheeses for the most accurate flavor. Or leave one or two out if needed. Just add more of the other cheeses.
- Making the roux is what makes this recipe best! Slowly add the milk stirring constantly with a whisk to remove clumps.
- Use a large enough pot to cook the noodles and stir with the sauce. This keeps the dirty dishes to a minimum.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Cook them to al dente so they don’t become too mush when baking.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
So, when you’re craving macaroni and cheese, make this homemade Chick Fil A mac and cheese version and skip the fast food drive thru lane. With the first bite, you will think it is the real deal!
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow pasta noodles uncooked
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups yellow cheddar cheese grated and dived
- 1 ½ cups white cheddar cheese grated and dived
- 8 slices American cheese cut into pieces
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup romano cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot over medium high heat, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and add the elbow pasta noodles.
- Cook the macaroni noodles to al dente. Drain and set aside but do not rinse.
- Return the same large pot (empty) to the stovetop and melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and reduce the temperature to medium low.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes while whisking to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk to combine and cool until the sauce begins to thicken. Roughly 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of the yellow cheddar, 1 cup of the white cheddar, the cut up slices of American cheese, the parmesan and Romano cheeses in small batches.
- Keep adding until all of the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni noodles.
- Stir to coat all the noodles.
- Spread into the prepared baking dish and spread remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes or until the mac & cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove and let cool 2-3 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- I recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts smoother and better.
- Using whole milk makes this a very creamy cheese sauce. Add a splash of heavy cream for more creaminess!
- Try and use as many of the different types of cheeses for the most accurate flavor. Or leave one or two out if needed. Just add more of the other cheeses.
- Making roux at home is what makes this recipe best! Slowly add the milk stirring constantly with a whisk to remove clumps.
- Use a large enough pot to cook the noodles and stir with the sauce. This keeps the dirty dishes to a minimum.
- Don't overcook the noodles. Cook them to al dente so they don't become too mush when baking.
Nutrition
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