Look no further for the best copycat chick fil a mac n cheese recipe, it just needs macaroni, cheese and milk!
If you are looking for a rich and creamy Mac and cheese, you are at the right stop. Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and one of my favorite dishes. This is my copycat version of the Chick fil A Mac n cheese and it tastes just like a comforting homemade recipe.
Have you tried Chick-fil-A's Mac and cheese yet? Are you more of a waffle fry person? I have to admit, I typically get their waffle fries; however, there is nothing like their Mac and cheese. Making this recipe at home is amazing because you can make a huge portion to eat all week long!
If you have not tried any of my copycat Chick-fil-A recipes, you have to make some with your copycat chick-fil-a macaroni and cheese. I have grilled nuggets (my favorite), regular nuggets, sandwiches and the legendary sauce!
Grab some grilled nuggets and make a batch of my Mac and cheese. Then, you have yourself an amazing meal prep or dinner. No need for the drive-thru... the lines are way too long anyways! Plus, you can get my recipe on a Sunday!
The Best Mac and Cheese
Chick-fil-A sets the bar when it comes to a lot of things. Mac and cheese is no exception! It is rich and creamy, which not all recipes can attest. Plus, you actually get a lot of flavor in every bite.
This is not your healthy, weight watchers Mac and cheese. This is your indulgent, Christmas dinner Mac and cheese. If you want a healthier Mac and cheese, I have a couple different recipes for that including my two ingredient cheese sauce, hamburger Mac and cheese, and queso Mac and cheese.
Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Grab your pots and get those ready to cook some Mac n cheese on the stovetop!
- Elbow macaroni
- While milk
- Butter
- Slices of American cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Colby jack
I try to make this recipe easy; however, still have all the great tastes of Chick-fil-A's macaroni. But, I also make this one gluten free, as Chick-fil-A does not.
I use a couple different types of cheeses here; however, you can play around with that to your liking. I do buy pre-shredded cheese; however, if you can shred your own, it will be a lot more fresh.
For the shredded cheddar cheese, I used a nice blend of four different types of cheddar cheese; however, you can use just sharp and white cheddar.
Heavy cream will make the Mac and cheese creamier and thicker; however, I do not like my cheese sauce to be too thick.
Tips for Making the Creamiest Mac n Cheese
Use al dente Pasta - Cook the macaroni pasta just slightly underdone. I prefer to take it out when it has about a minute left.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients - If you have time beforehand, set your ingredients out for 15-20 minutes, just to get a head start at making the cheese sauce. Room temperature ingredients take less time to melt than super cold ones.
Try Different Cheeses - While these are the cheeses I have found best, if you like a different type of cheese, try it out! You will need about 4.5 cups of your favorite cheeses.
Slow and Steady - I know it might take a long time to make the cheese sauce; but, you do not want to go too fast and burn/curdle the mixture. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
Try Some Toppings - Try out different toppings or mix-ins such as bacon, ground up hamburger, jalapeños, pickles, onions, or anything else you love.
How to Make the Ultimate Mac and Cheese
Let's go over how to make the best Chick fil A Mac and cheese!
Make the Sauce
Add milk to the pot and heat up over medium heat. Once heated, but not boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add in the butter and cheeses to the pot and stir until melted together. Stir every few minutes, being sure to scrape the bottom and sides. Sprinkle on the seasonings and stir into the sauce.
Combine Pasta with Sauce
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Take off heat when pasta has about one minute left to cook. Drain well and then set aside.
When the cheese sauce is completely melted and combined together, add the cooked macaroni noodles, and toss to coat.
Top with Cheese and Broil
Transfer the pasta covered with the cheese sauce to a greased casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheese and broil for 5 minutes, until golden.
Making Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time
You can make the Mac and cheese ahead of time. Follow all the same steps, except add a little more milk. You need to add a little more milk as the dish will get a little dry when you save it.
Transfer the pasta covered in the cheese sauce to the greased casserole dish. Then, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
When ready to eat, pop the macaroni into the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, until hot. Then, add the extra shredded cheese and broil for 5 minutes, until golden.
Grab your spoon and get digging!
Mac and Cheese Mistakes + How to Avoid Them
Pasta Shape - There is a reason you typically see elbow noodles in Mac and cheese. The crevices and tunnel are able to hold all that delicious Mac and cheese sauce. Shells are another great option, or really any short pasta that has some room to hold the cheese sauce.
Use al dente Pasta - Cook the macaroni pasta just slightly underdone. I prefer to take it out when it has about a minute left.
Slow and Steady - I know it might take a long time to make the cheese sauce; but, you do not want to go too fast and burn/curdle the mixture. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
What to Serve with the Best Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
You can make my Chick fil A Mac n cheese for meal prep with some BBQ chicken thighs. However, I think this dish is great for a holiday dinner with some maple bourbon glazed ham!
Chick fil A Mac and Cheese
Look no further for the best copycat chick fil a mac n cheese recipe, it just needs macaroni, cheese and milk!
Chick fil A Mac and Cheese (copycat recipe)
Equipment
- Stovetop
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow pasta dry
- 2 cups milk whole
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 slices American cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Topping for Broiling
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Colby jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Add milk to the pot and heat up over medium heat. Once heated, but not boiling, reduce the heat to low.
- Add in the butter and cheeses and stir until melted together. Stir every few minutes, being sure to scrape the bottom and sides. Sprinkle on the seasonings and stir into the sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Take off heat when pasta has about one minute left to cook. Drain well and then set aside.
- When the cheese sauce is completely melted and combined, add the cooked macaroni noodles, and toss to coat.
- Transfer the pasta covered with the cheese sauce to a greased casserole dish. Topwith the shredded cheese and broil for 5 minutes, until golden.
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