Introduction

This Chick-fil-A inspired mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, it offers a rich flavor that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

A thick square slice of baked macaroni and cheese sits on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a soft, creamy sauce with tender elbow noodles, the middle layer is a mix of melted cheese and noodles, and the top layer is a golden-brown baked cheese crust with some crispy, browned spots and small sprigs of fresh herbs scattered on it. The pasta edges curl slightly and the cheese looks rich and gooey beneath the crispy top. The white marbled surface underneath and the blurred kitchen background add a modern, clean feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni
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

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden to create a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
Step 6 (optional): For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder can enhance the cheesy taste.
For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before baking.
Breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely crunchy texture.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. If baked, cover loosely with foil when reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The dish is a close-up of baked macaroni and cheese served on a white plate. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy cooked macaroni pasta with a smooth, slightly glossy texture; the middle layer shows a thick, melted cheese sauce blending with the pasta, having a rich yellow color; the top layer is a golden brown, bubbly crust of melted cheese with some darker toasted spots, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft-focused kitchen background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini will work well in this recipe and hold the cheese sauce nicely.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

No, baking is optional. The mac and cheese is delicious and creamy right after mixing. Baking adds a golden, crispy top if you prefer a baked casserole-style dish.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

This Chick-fil-A inspired Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish made with elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, enriched with a smooth roux-based sauce. It can be enjoyed creamy or baked to create a golden, bubbly, crispy top, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and smooth texture.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

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 Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color; this creates the roux that will thicken your sauce.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux. Continue stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Cheese and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the thickened sauce, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
Optional Baking Step: For a crispy, golden top, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
For a thicker sauce, let the roux cook a little longer before adding milk, but be careful not to burn it.
To customize, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
If baking, use a greased casserole or baking dish to prevent sticking and improve crust formation.
This recipe can be doubled easily to serve larger groups.

Keywords: Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar macaroni, comfort food, cheesy pasta