Do you ever daydream about irresistible Chick-fil-A mac and cheese? Well, you’re not alone!
There’s just something about that creamy, cheesy concoction that has us all returning for more.
With this copycat recipe, you don’t have to drive to Chick-fil-A every time the craving hits.
It’s so easy to whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish right in your kitchen. This tried-and-true homemade Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe is totally spot-on.
Plus, you’ll find tips and tricks for making the ultimate comfort food.
Get ready to enjoy some homemade, piping hot, cheesy goodness.
Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Skip the drive-thru! This recipe is all about bringing tasty Chick-fil-A joy right into your kitchen.
It’s made with tender pasta bathed in a luscious cheese sauce with a trifecta of cheeses. This dish has American, Parmesan, and Romano for the ultimate cheesy delight.
Keep reading and improve your day with a creamy, cheesy forkful!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this copycat recipe:
- Pasta – This recipe calls for elbow macaroni pasta, a classic choice for mac and cheese.
- Cheeses – I used a mix of American, Parmesan, and Romano cheese for a cheesy, melty treat. For the topping, I use grated Colby Jack cheese.
- Butter – It’s used to create the roux that thickens the sauce.
- Flour – Combined with the butter, flour makes a roux that helps thicken your cheese sauce.
- Heavy Cream – It adds a rich and creamy element to the sauce and helps create a smoother texture.
- Whole Milk – It’s used along with the heavy cream to form the base of the cheese sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Making this homemade mac and cheese couldn’t be easier.
1. PREP: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. PASTA. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water until 2 minutes before al dente (per the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
3. ROUX. Melt the butter in a separate saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. SAUCE. Slowly whisk the heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook until it simmers and thickens.
5. CHEESE. Lower the heat and add the American cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese in 1/4 handfuls. Mix and melt after each addition to prevent clumping.
6. ASSEMBLE. Mix the pasta into the sauce and season it with salt and pepper. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish and top with the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
7. BREADCRUMBS. Optional: melt 1 tablespoon butter in a clean skillet. Add 1 clove minced garlic + 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs. Cook until lightly golden then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
8. BAKE for about 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
Making the best macaroni and cheese comes down to key elements. Here are some tips to help you craft the creamiest, most flavorful mac and cheese:
- Undercook your pasta! Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Choose your cheeses. Combining cheeses can add depth to your mac and cheese. A sharp cheddar is necessary, but you can mix in other melty cheeses.
- Make it great by grating. Grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
- Skip the cold ingredients. If every ingredient, especially the liquids, is at room temperature, it’ll mix well.
Variations
To level up your mac and cheese, try these incredible variations:
- Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese – Add cooked bacon and sliced jalapenos for a smoky and spicy flavor profile.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Add shredded buffalo chicken to the mac and cheese. Top it with some crumbled blue cheese for an extra tang.
- Lobster or Crab Mac and Cheese – Mix in cooked lobster or crab meat. This version is a bit fancy and deliciously indulgent.
- Vegan Mac and Cheese – You can use nutritional yeast, cashews, and almond milk to make a creamy, vegan “cheese” sauce. Add some sauteed veggies for extra nutrients.
- Mexican-Style Mac and Cheese – Add taco seasoning to your mac and cheese. You can even mix in some ground beef for a filling protein kick.
- Truffle Mac and Cheese – Add a drizzle of truffle oil and some sauteed mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
- Pizza Mac and Cheese – Stir in marinara sauce, pepperoni, and extra mozzarella. You can even add some sautéed bell peppers and onions.
- Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese – Add cooked pulled pork and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a Southern spin.
- Crunchy Mac and Cheese – Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for texture contrast.
- Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese – Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, peas, or wilted spinach for a healthy, indulgent treat.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
For a truly satisfying feast, serve your mac and cheese with these accompaniments:
- Chicken Milanese
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Little Smokies
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Albers Cornbread
- Ambrosia Fruit Salad
- KFC Coleslaw
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover mac and cheese, here’s how to keep it fresh:
To Store: Keep the mac and cheese in an air-tight container and refrigerate it. It’ll keep for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the pasta might get mushy when thawed.
To Reheat: Use one of these easy methods to heat it up.
- Microwave: This is the quickest way to reheat mac and cheese. Reheat individual portions on medium at 30-second intervals. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 F. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying. Depending on the quantity, it should take about 20-30 minutes to heat through.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ina Garten Mac and Cheese
Original Kraft Mac and Cheese
Really good! This was the third baked Mac and cheese recipe that Iโve tried and the other 2 werenโt very good. This one, however, is definitely a keeper. And does taste very similar to Chick fil-aโs!
Hi Marissa! So glad you liked it ๐
Never tried the actual Chick- Fil- A Mac n Cheese before, but gave this a try because all your recipes have been wonderful.
My family LOVED this! Unique, delicious flavor.
Thank you!
Thank you so much, Teresa!!
So happy you and your family are enjoying the recipes ๐
WHAT did you use on the top?? Bread Crumbs?
Hi Debbie!
That’s an optional breadcrumb topping ๐
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a clean skillet. Add 1 clove minced garlic + 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs. Cook until lightly golden then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Sooooo delicious! 10/10