Go Back
+ servings
Close-up angled shot of baked macaroni and cheese in a rustic ceramic baking dish with plump noodles and a bright yellow-orange sauce. (Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe)
FL Recipes

The Ultimate Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recreate the iconic Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe at home. Featuring plump macaroni, a glossy bright yellow-orange cheese sauce, and a beautifully blistered, bubbly mixed-cheese crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb dry elbow macaroni Cooked al dente
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter 55g
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 30g
  • 2 cups whole milk 480ml, room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240ml, room temperature
  • 8 oz sharp yellow cheddar cheese 225g, freshly grated off the block
  • 4 oz white American cheese 115g, torn into pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt 6g
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper 1g
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder 1g
  • 1 cup Colby Jack and Parmesan cheese blend 115g, freshly shredded

Equipment

  • 1 Rustic Ceramic Baking Dish (9x13) Essential for even heat distribution and baking.
  • 1 Box grater Must be used to grate fresh block cheese.
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan Prevents the roux and cheese emulsion from scorching.

Method
 

Cooking and Assembly
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 1 minute less than package directions until al dente. Drain well without rinsing.
  2. Melt the unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a pale golden paste.
  3. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Gradually fold in the sharp cheddar and American cheese until completely melted into a thick, glossy bright yellow-orange sauce.
  5. Fold the plump cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce until heavily coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 rustic ceramic baking dish. Top evenly with the Colby Jack and Parmesan cheese blend. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Turn the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Watch closely until the top features a beautifully baked, slightly charred and bubbly crust with tones of golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalProtein: 18gFat: 34gFiber: 2g

Notes

Always grate your cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that ruin the glossy texture.
Watch the broiler carefully; the cheese crust can burn in a matter of seconds.
Keyword baked mac and cheese,cheese crust,Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe,copycat recipe

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe