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Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are well coated and creamy.
  6. 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