Name: Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground paprika; 2 cups whole milk; 1 egg yolk; 8 slices American cheese; 16 ounces freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded

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I’m so excited to share my Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe with you because it perfectly captures the creamy, cheesy comfort food goodness that I just can’t get enough of. This dish tastes exactly like the Chick fil A classic, but making it at home lets me enjoy it fresh and warm whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of their mac and cheese or simply want a rich, satisfying side dish that pairs brilliantly with any meal, this recipe will become one of your favorites too.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out to me is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The sauce is luxuriously creamy thanks to the combination of American, sharp cheddar, and Italian blend cheeses melting into whole milk and butter, creating that irresistible cheesy hug with every bite. The paprika adds just a whisper of warmth and color, making the mac and cheese visually inviting and bursting with subtle complexity.

Besides the delicious taste, I love how straightforward and doable the recipe is. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up after a long day. I often make this for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even casual parties because it pleases a crowd and fits seamlessly with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or fresh salads. It’s that dependable dish that elevates any meal!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a white square dish placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheese in the top right, and next to it on the left is a smaller bowl with shredded white cheese. Below them, there are two more bowls, one with flour and the other with milk. A white dish with three slices of orange cheese is on the bottom left, next to a stick of butter on a small white dish and a white egg beside it. There is also a small white bowl holding a reddish-brown spice. Scattered around the base of the dishes are uncooked elbow macaroni pasta pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for some simple but essential ingredients that each play a critical role in delivering that perfect cheesy texture and full-bodied flavor. From the tender elbow macaroni providing the ideal bite to the combination of cheeses that bring depth and richness, these ingredients come together to create magic in a bowl.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese holds the sauce beautifully with that perfect chew.
Butter: Adds richness to the roux and a luscious mouthfeel in the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a velvety consistency.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the cheese shine.
Ground paprika: A pinch brings subtle warmth and a lovely golden color.
Whole milk: The secret to creamy, smooth sauce – don’t substitute it for lower-fat milk.
Egg yolk: Incorporates richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
American cheese: Melts quickly for smooth creaminess and classic mac and cheese flavor.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold, tangy depth and a slightly crumbly texture.
Italian blend cheese: Adds another layer of flavor complexity and richness.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 20 minutes. Yes, 20 minutes! This longer cooking time softens the pasta just like the Chick fil A original, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 3: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika. Stir constantly to form a smooth roux, cooking it for about 2 minutes but do not let it brown.

Step 4: Gradually add the whole milk, little by little, whisking completely between additions. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, which will take 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk. Slowly add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk and immediately whisk them together. This tempers the egg and prevents it from scrambling.

Step 6: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pot with the milk sauce and whisk to combine well.

Step 7: Lower the heat to low. Tear the American cheese slices into pieces and add them to the pot. Then add half of the grated sharp cheddar and all the Italian blend cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to melt all the cheeses into a smooth sauce.

Step 8: Carefully add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, folding everything together to ensure every noodle is coated with that luscious, cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Place the dish under your oven’s broiler just until the cheese topping is browned and bubbly. Watch it closely – this should only take a few minutes to avoid burning.

Step 11: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Servings and Timing

This Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe makes about 8 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, mainly boiling the pasta and gathering your ingredients, followed by about 30 minutes of cook time to create the sauce and bake the dish. Overall, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish, making this a fantastic option for a weekend treat or a cozy weekday meal. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed as it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh.

How to Serve This Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows six steps of making a cheese sauce in white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The first bowl has a mix of white flour, melted butter, and red spices on top. The second bowl shows the sauce after it is whisked until smooth and yellow. The third and fourth images show a smaller black bowl with thick yellow sauce in it. The fifth white bowl contains shredded yellow and white cheese with yellow sauce poured beside the cheese. The sixth white bowl displays the sauce mixed with cheese, creating a smooth, creamy, yellow cheese sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this mac and cheese, I love pairing it with crispy fried chicken or grilled BBQ ribs for a crowd-pleasing Southern-style feast. It also complements roasted vegetables or a bright green salad really well, balancing out the rich, creamy texture with some freshness. To make the dish look extra special, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crunchy breadcrumbs on top before broiling gives it a pop of color and texture that guests adore.

I’m a big fan of serving it warm, just out of the oven, so the cheese is perfectly gooey with a slightly browned top. It’s also fantastic the next day at room temperature if you happen to have leftovers. For beverages, a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea works beautifully to cut through the richness. This dish shines at weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together where comfort food is welcome.

For portion sizes, I usually scoop out generous mounds in side dishes, but it’s so satisfying that some even eat it as a main course paired with a light salad. I highly recommend plating it in shallow bowls or wide plates to showcase the cheesy sauce and make digging in a total joy.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe, and there are so many ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and double-check your pasta choice. For a vegetarian crowd, this recipe is already great, but you can add steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the American cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder cheese or use smoked gouda for a delightful smoky twist. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like a little heat to contrast the creamy cheesiness. Another method I sometimes use is baking the mac and cheese in smaller ramekins for individual servings - it makes for a beautiful presentation at dinner parties.

For a lighter take, I’ve experimented with using half-and-half instead of whole milk combined with reduced-fat cheddar, but honestly, the full richness of whole milk gives this mac and cheese its signature casino-style velvety mouthfeel that’s hard to beat. Whatever variation you choose, this recipe is a fantastic base that invites creativity while keeping that irresistible Chick fil A vibe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this mac and cheese keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing it in an airtight container to maintain the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with good seals work best to keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe for longer storage. To do so, place the cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When freezing, avoid broiling the dish beforehand; instead, add the cheese topping fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. This usually takes about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk before covering. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry the cheese sauce and make the texture less enjoyable, but if you are in a pinch, reheat gently and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Why do I cook the macaroni for 20 minutes instead of the usual time?

Cooking the macaroni for a full 20 minutes softens the pasta more than typical al dente timing, which mimics the texture you get from Chick fil A's mac and cheese. This results in a creamier, more tender dish that lets the cheese sauce cling perfectly to every noodle.

Can I use shredded pre-packaged cheese instead of shredding fresh cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I always recommend freshly shredding your cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often has additives that prevent clumping but can affect the smoothness of your sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

This particular recipe relies heavily on dairy and egg yolk for its signature taste and texture, so a vegan version would require substituting with plant-based milks, vegan cheese, and egg replacers. However, the result will be quite different. For a true chick fil a style vegan mac and cheese, I recommend exploring specialized vegan recipes designed for that purpose.

What is the purpose of the egg yolk in the cheese sauce?

The egg yolk adds extra richness and helps thicken the sauce while giving it that silky, smooth finish. Tempering it with hot milk before adding to the pot ensures it blends without scrambling, enhancing the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point before broiling and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, just add the remaining cheddar on top and broil until golden and bubbly. This saves time while maintaining that fresh, oven-baked charm.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe a try – it’s one of those comfort dishes that always brings back happy memories and feels like a warm hug in every bite. Once you taste the creamy, cheesy goodness with that perfectly cooked pasta, I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!