What is comfort food? What kind of hug is wrapped around you from the inside out? For me, that’s always been mac and cheese. I’ve probably tried every mac and cheese recipe under the sun, from fancy gourmet versions with a lot of cheese. I can’t even go wrong with this recipe. From truffle oil (which, honestly, were a bit much) to those sad, powdered-cheese box varieties (we’ve had some of these for years now), we’re pretty All been there! I’ve been obsessed with re-creating the **Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe**. Is this homemade version really good? Think of it as a grown-up, super creamy, extra cheesy hug in the bowl, and so much easier than you think.
What is a Chick-fil-A?
What exactly is this magical **Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese**? Is it a baked mac and cheese? What are some of the best breadcrumb-topped casseroles? Is it perfectly balanced? a rich, creamy sauce coats tender macaroni noodles, and then it’s baked to golden perfection. What I love most about this is that it’s not overly heavy or greasy. What is that perfect sweet spot of cheesy goodness? What is the kind of dish that even picky eaters will devour?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? I’ve made this **Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe** so many times now (my family are HUGE fans), There are so many reasons to love it. First, the flavor is amazing. It’s the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and creamy cheese sauce. I use a little bit of smoked Gouda – it adds this subtle smokiness that takes it over the top!
Second, and this is a big one for me, it’s surprisingly easy to Make. Don’t let the “baked” part scare you. What’s the recipe for making cheese sauce with cooked noodles? How do I get the oven to get all bubbly and golden? Even on busy weeknights, I can whip this up in about 30 minutes.
Third, it’s cost-effective. You probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge already. What are some pantry staples? What are some of the best Mac and Cheese recipes ever made by Chik-fil-A? What is the best recipe for potlucks? What are leftovers?
What does it mean to be versatile? I’ve served this as a main course with grilled chicken, and even as side dish with potatoes. What is a super decadent snack? What is the best way to enjoy life? Compared to other baked mac and cheese recipes, like the ones that require a ton of different ingredients, these are the best. What are some good cheeses and béchamel sauce recipes? This is the one recipe that just consistently delivers on flavor and ease.
How do I make Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese?
Quick Overview
How do I make a copycat **Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese**? How do you make a delicious cheese sauce on the stovetop? What is the secret to creaminess? A good roux – a blend of butter and flour – and sharp sharp edges. What’s a touch of something special (smoked Gouda? Then, you’ll combine the sauce and noodles, pour it into a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. What is a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds?
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese: What is the recipe?
- What is a 1 pound elbow macaroni
- How many tablespoons of butter do you
- 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour is a
- 3 cups milk (I always use whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works too! ).
- 1 teaspoon salt is enough for 1 person
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
- How do you shred sharp cheddar cheese?
- What is the flavor of Gouda cheese?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for greasing – it adds a little extra flavor but cooking spray works too. Make sure to grease it really well, otherwise, the mac and cheese might stick to the bottom.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! Slightly undercooked pasta will hold its shape better in the baked mac and cheese. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. This is your roux, and it’s the base of your creamy cheese sauce. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden and smells nutty. How do I get rid of raw flour taste?
Step 4: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
What are some good seasonings for garlic powder? I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my food for kicks!
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and smoked Gouda cheese (if using). When the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir it up. Make sure all the cheese is fully melted and incorporated for the best texture.
Step 7: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. What is the recipe for mac and cheese? Pour it into a baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. What is the best way to keep an eye on baking times, as they vary depending on your oven. If the top gets too brown, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up a bit. Serve warm and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best recipes for Mac and Cheese? With a variety of dishes.
What is a classic comfort meal?Serve with fried chicken or grilled chicken. What’s a perfect compliment to the Crispy Chicken?
For a lighter meal:Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. The richness of the mac and cheese is balanced nicely by the freshness or vegetables.
For a potluck or barbecue:What are some crowd pleasers? What are the best side dishes to serve with a BBQ?
My personal favorite: “SayI love serving this with a side of collard greens. I’ve never had any. The slight bitterness of the greens cuts through the richness and flavor of mac and cheese perfectly.
Can you go wrong with good food?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Okay, so you’re ready to make some amazing mac and cheese, right? I’ve made this recipe a *ton* of times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to help you nail it every single time:
Cheese Matters: Seriously, don’t skimp on the cheese quality! Buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Also, adding that little bit of smoked Gouda really elevates the flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As I mentioned earlier, slightly undercook the macaroni. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to end up mushy.
Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: When making the roux, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking vigorously, or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Low and Slow: Cook the cheese sauce over medium-low heat. This will prevent the cheese from scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to your liking. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the mac and cheese while it’s baking. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the top starts to get too brown, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Let It Rest: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.
I also once tried using almond milk because I was out of regular milk, and honestly, it wasn’t bad! It didn’t have the same richness, but it still turned out creamy and delicious. So, if you’re dairy-free, give it a try!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe** is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating: You can reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out.
Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Again, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent it from drying out.
Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir constantly until heated through. This method works best for smaller portions.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this mac and cheese, as the texture can change and become grainy. However, if you absolutely need to freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to **Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe**! It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. I promise, this will quickly become a family favorite. What I love most is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even a snack. And with a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to your liking. If you’re looking for more delicious comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. I’m always experimenting in the kitchen and sharing my latest creations. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how your mac and cheese turns out!
How to Make the Best 5-Step Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese at Home
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2.5 cups Milk
- 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 4 oz Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
