Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that perfectly mimics the popular restaurant version. With a rich cheese sauce made from American, extra sharp cheddar, and Italian blend cheeses combined with tender elbow macaroni, this recipe is easy to make and sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni noodles and cook for 20 minutes until tender. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually add the whole milk a little at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Continue whisking the milk mixture for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Temper the Egg Yolk: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk. Add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the yolk and immediately whisk together to temper the egg.
  6. Combine Egg with Sauce: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the pot and whisk well to combine.
  7. Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Tear the American cheese into pieces and add to the sauce along with half the cheddar cheese and all the Italian blend cheese. Stir gently until all cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the macaroni is fully coated and combined.
  9. Bake with Topping: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  10. Broil for Finish: Place the baking dish under the broiler until the top cheese is just browned and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  11. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for the best creamy, cheesy texture.

Notes

  • This recipe makes a large batch suitable for 8 servings; feel free to halve the ingredients for fewer servings.
  • Use whole milk only for the best creaminess and flavor; do not substitute with lower fat milks.
  • Freshly shredding your cheeses from blocks yields better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • You can freeze the prepared mac and cheese; thaw and reheat gently to maintain texture.
  • Avoid changing the cheese types to keep the original Chick-fil-A flavor profile.
  • Cooking the pasta for the full 20 minutes is intentional for the best texture that blends into the creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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