Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese is a popular side dish, known for its creamy, cheesy goodness. With a rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a fan favorite that can complement almost any meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the iconic Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, then this homemade recipe is sure to win your heart. With a combination of two different cheeses—sharp cheddar and Parmesan—this dish brings an irresistible creaminess and richness to the table. The secret lies in the use of a custard-like sauce, which is then baked to achieve a delicious golden top that adds texture and flavor to the dish. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it a great addition to any meal.
Tips and Tricks
Use a combination of cheeses: For that signature creamy texture, it’s important to use both sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Sharp cheddar adds the bold flavor, while Parmesan gives it a touch of nuttiness.
Don’t skip the baking step: The mac and cheese needs to be baked for that perfect crispy golden top, which adds a delightful texture. Baking also helps meld the flavors together, creating a richer, more intense cheese flavor.
Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the cheese sauce. Aim for an al dente texture to ensure your mac and cheese stays firm and creamy after baking.
Stir constantly when making the sauce: To achieve a smooth and velvety cheese sauce, it’s crucial to stir constantly, especially when melting the cheese into the sauce. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a creamy consistency.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika: For a little extra kick and depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce. These spices can elevate the dish without overpowering the cheese.
Variations
- Spicy Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese: For those who love a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon bits to your mac and cheese for a smoky, savory flavor. The bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce, taking this dish to the next level.
- Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese: To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs such as thyme or oregano to the cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese: Keep it meat-free by making a vegetarian version. You can even add some cooked spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: For an even heartier dish, toss in some cooked shredded chicken that’s been tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick.
How to Serve
Chick-fil-A mac and cheese can be served as the perfect side dish for almost any meal. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, grilled chicken, or even a classic chicken sandwich. If you’re looking for a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. It also makes a great dish for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday gatherings.
For an extra indulgent treat, you can even top it with additional cheese or breadcrumbs and broil for a few minutes to get an even crispier top.
How to Store
Chick-fil-A mac and cheese is great for meal prepping! Once it’s baked and cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven—if reheating in the oven, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to freeze your mac and cheese, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different cheeses? While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are key to this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can also work well for adding variety to the flavor.
- Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, fresh cheese that you shred yourself tends to melt better and create a smoother sauce. For the best results, shred your own cheese.
- What is the best pasta shape for mac and cheese? The traditional elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but you can also use other pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells for added texture and sauce coverage.
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese
Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese is a popular side dish, known for its creamy, cheesy goodness. With a rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a fan favorite that can complement almost any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 8 slices American cheese
- 16 oz freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni for 20 minutes (yes, really!). Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a spoonful of the hot milk mixture, then stir it back into the pot.
- Turn the heat to low and start adding the cheeses. Tear the American cheese slices and stir them in, followed by half of the cheddar and all of the Italian blend. Mix until smooth and melty.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Once browned, remove from the oven and serve!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 556Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 1091mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 27g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This homemade version of Chick-fil-A mac and cheese is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a creamy, cheesy comfort food. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it as a side dish with your favorite meal, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
