Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese recipe
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese right at home! This recipe features a velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of American and extra sharp cheddar cheeses, with a touch of Italian cheese blend for added depth. Perfectly creamy and irresistibly cheesy, this dish is a satisfying favorite that’s sure to impress at any meal. Plus, you get a delicious vegan chick fil a Mac and cheese option, too! Yum!
Ingredients
Chick fil A Mac and cheese recipe ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup (56g) butter – vegan option: use vegan butter or coconut oil
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- ⅛ teaspoon (0.5g) ground paprika – or smoked paprika
- 2 cups (480ml) half and half – use whole milk for fewer calories; vegan option: cashew milk or other plant milk
- 1 egg yolk optional – vegan option: plant cream
- 8 slices American cheese – vegan cheddar cheese equivalent
- 16 ounces (450g) freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese – divided; vegan option: vegan cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120g) Italian blend cheeses - shredded – vegan option: vegan shredded mozzarella
Instructions
How to make Copycat chick fil a Macaroni and cheese
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- - In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- - Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika until combined.
Add the Liquid:
- - Gradually whisk in the half and half or milk, adding a little at a time and making sure it’s fully incorporated before adding more.
- - Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Incorporate the Egg Yolk (skip if using vegan cream):
- - In a small bowl, mix a spoonful of the hot milk mixture with the egg yolk. Whisk to combine, then stir this mixture back into the pot.
Add the Cheese:
- - Lower the heat to low. Tear the American cheese into pieces and add to the pot, along with half of the cheddar and all of the Italian blend cheese.
- - Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine with Macaroni:
- - Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well mixed.
Bake:
- - Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- - Place under the broiler until the top is golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve:
- - Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese!
Notes
1 serving is approximately 675 calories.
This chick fil a Mac and cheese is freezer friendly.
Here’s some of my best Tips for Making Copycat Chick-fil-A Macaroni and Cheese:
- Brown the Butter for Depth: To enhance the flavor, brown the melted butter slightly before adding the flour. This adds a subtle, nutty note to the roux, enriching the overall taste of the sauce.
- Boost Flavor with Spices: Incorporate smoked paprika and seasoned salt into your sauce to elevate its flavor profile. These spices add a layer of complexity and depth, making your macaroni and cheese even more irresistible.
- Cook Pasta and Sauce Simultaneously: Prepare the macaroni while you make the cheese sauce. Once the pasta is drained, mix it into the hot sauce immediately. The heat helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Opt for Half and Half: Use half and half instead of whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce. Half and half combines equal parts cream and milk, providing a luscious texture that elevates your mac and cheese. It adds a bit more fat, but it's worth it for that indulgent mac and cheese experience.
- Add Crunch with Panko Breadcrumbs: For a delightful texture contrast, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before baking. The panko adds a crispy, golden layer that enhances the overall dish.