Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Master this homemade Chick-fil-A mac and cheese copycat recipe with its signature blend of sharp cheeses and perfectly creamy sauce. The secret to the best restaurant-style mac and cheese lies in the combination of cheeses and the simple baking technique that creates that irresistible golden top.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">340g elbow macaroni</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">480ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g colby jack cheese, freshly grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g parmesan cheese, freshly grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g romano cheese, freshly grated (or extra parmesan)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp paprika</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 480 calories

🥑 Fat: 28 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 17 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 36 g

🍭 Sugar: 3 g

🍗 Protein: 22 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 90 mg

🧂 Sodium: 650 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large pot for boiling pasta</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate (you want it al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta, but do not rinse - the starch helps the sauce adhere better.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the pasta cooks, start your cheese sauce. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This cooking time is crucial - not too short (to remove the raw flour taste) and not too long (to maintain binding properties).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. The sauce will begin to thicken - you'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more. This gradual addition prevents the sauce from becoming grainy. Reserve about 60g of the cheddar and colby jack mix for topping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The cheese is already salty, so add additional salt carefully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, gently folding until every piece of pasta is well coated. The mixture should be quite saucy at this point, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid while baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer the mac and cheese to your baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top to create that signature Chick-fil-A golden crust. For an extra touch of color, a light dusting of paprika on top works wonderfully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. For that perfect restaurant-style finish, switch to the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and ensuring the perfect creamy consistency. Serve hot while the cheese is still beautifully melted and stretchy.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe?

This recipe uses elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, flour, whole milk, heavy cream, and a signature cheese blend of sharp cheddar, colby jack, parmesan, and romano. Seasoning includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for that authentic taste.

How to cook Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe by creating a roux with butter and flour, adding milk and cream to form a sauce, then incorporating the special cheese blend. Combine with slightly undercooked pasta, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly for that signature restaurant-quality finish.

Why is freshly grated cheese better than pre-shredded for mac and cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly because it doesn't contain anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties. These additives can make your sauce grainy or clumpy. Fresh cheese also provides better flavour and creates those signature stretchy cheese pulls when serving.

What creates the perfect golden crust on baked mac and cheese?

The perfect golden crust comes from reserving some cheese for the top layer and briefly broiling during the final minutes of baking. The combination of high heat and cheese with adequate fat content allows for that beautiful caramelisation and slight crispiness while keeping the inside creamy.

Can I make this cheesy pasta dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this mac and cheese up to 2 days ahead, stopping before the baking stage. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container, then bring to room temperature before baking. You may need to add a splash of milk if it seems dry before heating.

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