Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you are a Chick-fil-A-lover, the one thing can’t ever forget to order the Mac and Cheese! Their mac n cheese is probably among the best ones out there. Made with several types of cheeses, the mac n cheese is rich, creamy, cheesy, and utterly divine. It is one of the hottest items on their menu and is loved by children and adults equally. We’ve come up with a version of their top-secret recipe that we know you are going to love.

Why I love Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

We have developed a perfect copycat recipe that will give you just about the same results as buying it in the store – and we think the homemade taste. makes it even better. Our kids absolutely LOVED this, and to be honest, we did, too! It really kicks classic macaroni and cheese up a notch, we don’t think they’ll be a disappointed party in the house with this recipe.

The first bite I had of Chick-fil-a’s mac and cheese last year, I was a little bit taken back – the cheese flavor is very strong, and when it comes to mac and cheese, I tend to be a little more on the mild cheese side of things. However, it has quickly become one of my favorite sides.

We think this is a great recipe for a family dinner or for a larger gathering – in fact, I plan to make this at an upcoming family reunion! It is really the best mac and cheese recipe!

The key to making this recipe absolutely outstanding is using a special blend of cheeses and baking it just long enough to get a crispy layer of cheese on the top that you mix in with the dish. -The Chick-fil-A website says it is a combination of romano cheeses, parmesan cheese, and cheddar. We tried different combinations, and I think we got it down. This is a very cheesy pasta, dish and it is so delicious!

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup cream
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan
• 1 cup shredded romano cheese
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• Extra cheddar cheese for top

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Bring a large pot water to a boil with salt.
3. Boil noodles until al dente, drain and set aside (reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin up the sauce)
4. Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat.
5. Whisk in flour and mix continuously for about 4-5 minutes over low heat. 
6. Slowly pour in the cream and whole milk and stir the whole time until it starts to thicken over low heat.
7. Mix in the combination of cheeses until the cheese starts to melt and become creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
8. If it becomes too thick, thin the sauce with a little bit of reserved water.
9. Mix in the macaroni noodles.
10. Pour mixture into a large baking dish. 
11. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. 
12. Cook for five minutes. 
13. After five minutes, cook on a low broil for two minutes. 
14. Remove from oven and mix together so crispy cheese on top is incorporated throughout the dish. 

Tips for Cooking Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Although making Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese is quite easy. It is all about the ingredients and their quantity. However, there are still a few things you have to keep in mind. These are:

• Make sure every ingredient is at room temperature.
• If you don’t find whole milk, you can also use low-fat milk. However, the texture doesn’t be creamy and thick.
• Sauté the flour and butter at low heat to avoid burning.
• When adding cream or milk, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
• If you can’t find sharp cheddar cheese, you can use regular cheddar cheese as well.
• Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, mix it well and then broil it for 2 to 3 minutes for better results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can! You can make it up to a day ahead of time and put it in the fridge, uncooked – I would recommend waiting to put the cheese on top until you bake it the day of. If you want to freeze it for later, just put it in the freezer, uncooked, and well-covered for up to three months.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Yes, if you have leftovers, you can put it in a freezer-safe storage container and freeze them for up to three months. Be aware that it likely won’t taste as good defrosted and reheated.

How long does this last in the fridge?

In an airtight container, it should last for 3-5 days.

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

While Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese recipe is delicious as is- you can experiment with different cheeses to achieve a similar creamy and flavorful result in your recipe. 

Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting qualities. Combining it with other cheeses can contribute to a gooey and stretchy texture.

Gruyère has a distinct and nutty taste. It melts beautifully and can provide a unique flavor profile to your mac and cheese.

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a buttery and mild flavor. It can contribute to the overall creaminess of the dish.

This cheese blend of Colby and Monterey Jack combines the mildness of Colby with the creaminess of Monterey Jack. It’s a good option for a well-balanced flavor.

For the record, I have not tried using different cheeses with this recipe but in my opinion, I prefer using the cheeses listed in the original recipe.

What pasta shape is best to use?

The best pasta shape for homemade mac and cheese is often subjective, as it depends on personal preference and the texture you desire. However, some pasta shapes are particularly well-suited for mac and cheese.

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for mac and cheese. Its small, curved shape allows the cheese sauce to cling to the pasta, creating a satisfying and cheesy bite.

Cavatappi, also known as cellentani, is a spiral-shaped pasta with ridges. 

Large pasta shells, or conchiglie, are another excellent option. 

Rotini is a spiral-shaped pasta that works well in mac and cheese. The spirals help trap the cheese sauce, creating a creamy and enjoyable dish.

Penne pasta, with its tube-like shape, is a popular choice for mac and cheese. The hollow center of penne allows the cheese sauce to seep inside, ensuring a flavorful bite

What other sides does Chick-fil-A have?

Chick-fil-A occasionally tries new side item additions to their menu – and they aren’t always permanent. This is the first permanent side addition they have added in quite some time – which is understandable since it’s so pleasing to the taste buds!

Some of the other permanent sides are fruit cups, waffle fries, and side dishes. I was pretty disappointed when they got rid of the superfood salad!