Print

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

This Chick-fil-A inspired Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni made with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The sauce is thickened with a buttery roux and milk, delivering rich flavor and a smooth texture. Optional baking finishes the dish with a bubbly, golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, which forms the base roux for the sauce.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the whole milk to the roux, continuing to stir frequently to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce and stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
  6. Bake for Crispy Top (Optional): For a crispy and golden crust, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • To make the dish lighter, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or use less butter.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • The baking step is optional but adds a delightful crispy texture on top.
  • Serve immediately for best creaminess; leftover mac and cheese can be reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Keywords: chick-fil-a mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/chick-fil-a-mac-and-cheese-recipe/