Introduction

This Chick-fil-A style mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s easy to make at home. With a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, it’s perfect as a satisfying side or a cozy main dish.

A creamy baked macaroni and cheese is served on a white plate, showing one single thick layer of small pasta covered with melted, golden-brown bubbly cheese on top. The cheese texture is smooth and gooey in some parts, with darker toasted spots giving a crispy look. Small green herb bits are sprinkled evenly over the top layer, adding a touch of color. The edges of the cheese slightly drip creamy sauce onto the plate, and the macaroni underneath peeks through, showing its soft texture. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface in a bright kitchen setting. 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 flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden to create a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and add sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until 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 freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick and extra depth of flavor.
Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it a heartier dish.
For a lactose-free version, substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative and use lactose-free cheese.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. For best texture, avoid freezing as the cheese sauce may separate.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single-layer macaroni and cheese dish on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, showing the creamy pasta beneath a golden brown cheese layer. The macaroni pasta is visible in a pale creamy sauce at the bottom, topped with a thick, bubbly cheese crust that has toasted spots of deep brown and lighter yellow. Small green herb sprinkles are scattered on the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm cheese colors. The side edges show some cheese sauce slightly spilling onto the plate. 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, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or cavatappi for a fun twist.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to melt the cheese off the heat to avoid overheating, which can cause separation. Also, gradually stirring in the milk while making the roux helps create a smooth sauce.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

This Chick-fil-A inspired Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses blended into a smooth sauce with tender elbow macaroni. Perfectly balanced with a buttery roux and creamy milk, this mac and cheese can be served straight from the stovetop or baked with a crispy golden top for extra texture.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 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 the Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 cup of elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk to the roux, continuing to stir frequently. Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Melt the Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are well coated and creamy.
Optional Baking Step for a Crispy Top: For a baked version with a golden crust, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
The optional baking step adds a delicious crispy top but can be skipped for a quicker stovetop mac and cheese.
Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option.
Ensure the roux is cooked enough to remove the raw flour taste but do not let it brown too much.

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