Chick-fil-A Style Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a creamy and comforting bowl of Chick-fil-A style mac and cheese that’s rich, cheesy, and baked to perfection. This recipe combines multiple cheeses to create a velvety sauce that clings to tender macaroni noodles, making it an irresistible side or main dish.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) dry macaroni pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter (for pasta)
• 3 tbsp butter (for roux)
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
• 10 slices American cheese
• 1 cup sharp orange cheddar, freshly grated (120 g)
• 1 cup white cheddar, freshly grated (120 g)
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese, freshly grated (60 g)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (45 g)
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 cup grated orange cheddar (60 g)
• 1/2 cup grated white cheddar (60 g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, gas mark 4).
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest, about 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until melted to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, melt the other 3 tablespoons of butter in a large, shallow cast-iron pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the American cheese, sharp and white cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Return to low heat if necessary to fully melt the cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is well coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer to a baking dish if needed. Sprinkle the remaining grated orange and white cheddar on top. Bake for 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. For a browned, crispy top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and parsley if desired. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for a creamier sauce and better melt.
• Substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky or spicy note.
• For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while macaroni is traditional, other short pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi work well because they hold the cheese sauce nicely.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Chick-fil-A Style Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Chick-fil-A inspired mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a blend of American, cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Combining perfectly cooked macaroni with a rich homemade cheese sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bakes to a golden, melty finish.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz / 340 g dry macaroni pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter (to stir into cooked pasta)

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter (for roux)
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups / 600 ml / 20 fl oz milk
• 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz half and half
• 10 slices American cheese
• 1 cup sharp / 120 g / 4 oz sharp orange cheddar, freshly grated
• 1 cup / 120 g / 4 oz white cheddar, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup / 60 g / 2 oz Romano cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup / 45 g / 1.6 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste

Topping

• 1/2 cup / 60 g / 2 oz grated orange cheddar
• 1/2 cup / 60 g / 2 oz grated white cheddar

Instructions

1. Prep work: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, gas mark 4) to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook macaroni: In a large pot of boiling water seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt, cook the macaroni for 8 to 9 minutes, about 1 minute less than package instructions, to keep it al dente. Drain well and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Make roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large, shallow cast-iron pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
4. Cook sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, continuing to whisk nonstop to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5 to 8 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
5. Melt in cheese: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the American cheese slices, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. If needed, return to a low heat briefly to fully melt the cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine sauce and pasta: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat every noodle with the creamy mixture.
7. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining grated orange and white cheddar evenly over the top of the mac and cheese in the pot. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until bubbly and melted. For a golden, crispy topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes carefully.
8. Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Cooking pasta just shy of package time ensures it won’t be mushy after baking.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
• To prevent sauce lumps, add milk gradually while whisking constantly.
• You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Broiling makes a crispy top but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni and cheese, easy cheese pasta, comfort food recipe