Description

This Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic inspired by the beloved fast-food chain. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, homemade cheese sauce combining sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, it’s easy to prepare and perfect as a hearty side or main dish. For extra indulgence, bake with a crispy golden topping.

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

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour steadily, cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, creating a roux that helps thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful to keep the heat moderate to avoid scorching.
Melt the Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Optional Baking Step: If you prefer a baked version with a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For a creamier texture, use full-fat dairy products and freshly shredded cheese.
Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for added depth of flavor.
Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese helps achieve a smoother melt.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
The optional bake step creates a crispy, golden top, but the mac and cheese is delicious served immediately off the stove as well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Stovetop, Optional Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Easy Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta