Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever daydreamed about diving fork-first into a gooey, irresistible baked mac and cheese—the kind with a golden, cheesy crust and creamy interior—then this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese will absolutely make your comfort food dreams come true! This recipe walks you through every step to recreate the famous side that’s both luxurious and delightfully nostalgic, all with simple pantry staples. Melted cheese blends, perfectly tender elbow pasta, and a crave-worthy topping combine for a dish that tastes like it was served straight from the drive-thru counter—only better, because you made it yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese plays a crucial role, coming together to capture the dish’s signature creamy, cheesy experience. With a handful of pantry staples and a couple of special cheeses, you’ll transform basic ingredients into a show-stopping comfort food classic!

• Elbow Pasta: The classic shape soaks up cheese sauce and creates those perfect bites.
• Salted Butter: Delivers that savory richness and helps start the velvety roux.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for thickening your creamy sauce without making it heavy.
• Whole Milk: Full-fat milk brings out the sauce’s smooth texture and decadent flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances every cheesy, buttery note in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds just the right hint of background warmth; freshly ground is best.
• Shredded Yellow Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp tang and that classic gorgeous color.
• Shredded White Cheddar Cheese: Balances flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Processed American Cheese: The secret to unbelievably creamy texture—don’t skip it!
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch and boosts umami depth.
• Grated Romano Cheese: Lends sharpness and complexity to the cheese profile.
• Shredded Cheese Topping: More white and yellow cheddar create that bubbly, golden crust on top.

How to Make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to create that bubbly, golden crust. Give your 9×13 baking pan a good misting with cooking spray—this guarantees your mac and cheese will lift out easily, showing off that irresistibly cheesy interior.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rapid boil, then cook the elbow macaroni just to al dente following your package instructions. This is important! Since the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, al dente keeps it perfectly tender without getting mushy. Drain but don’t rinse—the starch helps the cheese sauce cling to every curve.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt that glorious butter until it’s just foaming. Sprinkle over the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes; this step builds the lush roux that thickens your sauce without a floury taste. Your kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, along with salt and pepper. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon. This luscious base is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses

Now for the best part: stir in both cheddars, those pieces of American cheese, parmesan, and Romano. Stir patiently until everything is melted and smooth—watch as the sauce becomes glossy, creamy, and totally irresistible. Taste for salt and adjust if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Gently fold your drained pasta into the cheese sauce until every elbow is coated with that silky goodness. Pour this glorious mixture evenly into your greased baking dish—try not to steal a bite just yet!

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the top generously with that extra shredded cheddar duo. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it sit a few minutes before serving, so the cheese can set just enough for perfect scoops.

How to Serve Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

This creamy feast is pure comfort on its own, but you can make it special with a few garnishes! Sprinkle with a little extra parmesan, a touch of paprika for color, or even some chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese with roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or Southern-style sides like coleslaw and chicken tenders. The richness is perfectly complemented by something fresh and crunchy, but let’s be honest—this mac and cheese can easily steal the show all by itself!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for party-perfect presentation, pile it high on a platter with a sprinkle of extra cheeses for a dramatic look, or even turn leftovers into mac and cheese bites or grilled cheese melts. However you serve it, this mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (rare, but possible!), keep them sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese holds up beautifully, and may even be more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this mac and cheese! Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the mac and cheese and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave in individual portions for quick comfort food perfection. Add a splash of milk and gently stir before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives that classic look and texture to Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or small penne with delicious results—just keep an eye on the cooking time for best texture.

What’s the best cheese combination?

This recipe uses yellow and white cheddar, American, parmesan, and Romano for maximum depth and meltiness. If you want to switch things up, you can add Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor punch.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The cheese sauce stays just as dreamy and rich when made gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. Try topping with jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking for that signature kick.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely! The Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe is easy to scale. Double the ingredients for a potluck crowd, or halve them if you just want enough for a cozy dinner for two. Just adjust your baking time as needed and enjoy every bite!

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese really brings the nostalgia and delivers next-level creaminess and flavor every single time. It always gets rave reviews—and once you make it from scratch, you may never crave the drive-thru version again! Round up your cheeses and give it a go; your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you.

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