I can still remember the first time I tasted truly amazing mac and cheese. It was at a church potluck, and Mrs. Henderson’s mac and cheese was legendary. I can still picture the golden, bubbly top and the creamy, cheesy goodness underneath.
It was so comforting and satisfying, a perfect dish that brought everyone together. It’s a memory that’s always stuck with me, inspiring my quest for the perfect homemade mac and cheese. To make a delicious and equally comforting main course, I often turn to these rotisserie chicken tacos for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Now, I’ve finally cracked the code with this amazing copycat chick fil a mac and cheese recipe. It brings back all those wonderful memories with every single bite! Get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection in your very own kitchen.
Why you’ll love this Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese with Copycat Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese
- This copycat chick fil a mac and cheese tastes just like the real deal, maybe even better!
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
- The creamy, cheesy sauce is so rich and flavorful, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- You can customize the cheese blend to your liking, making it your own signature dish.
- This mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover cheese in your fridge, reducing waste and creating something delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Step 1
Copycat chick fil a mac and cheese makes every moment feel velvety. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. Don’t overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 3
While the macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Simmering allows the sauce to thicken properly.
Step 6
Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Seasoning is key to a flavorful mac and cheese.
Step 7
Add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Use good quality cheese for the best flavor.
Step 8
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure all the macaroni is well coated with the cheese sauce.
Step 9
Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
Step 10
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Step 11
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the mac and cheese to set slightly and cool down.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, like Gruyere or Fontina, for an even creamier mac and cheese.
Consider adding some protein to make it a complete meal. Cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or even diced tofu would be delicious additions. Simply stir them into the mac and cheese before baking. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
For a crispy topping, try sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the mac and cheese before baking. You can also add a drizzle of melted butter for extra flavor and richness. This is a great way to add texture and visual appeal.
Pairings
This copycat chick fil a mac and cheese pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. It’s a great side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or turkey burgers. It also complements roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
For a complete comfort food meal, serve it with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad. The creamy mac and cheese balances well with the crispness and acidity of these sides. Consider adding a slice of crusty bread for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try pairing it with a cup of tomato soup or a bowl of chili. The warm, comforting flavors of these dishes complement the mac and cheese beautifully. It’s a perfect combination for a cozy night in.
Serving ideas
Serve this copycat chick fil a mac and cheese in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. This is a great way to impress your guests.
For a casual gathering, serve it family-style in the baking dish. Let everyone help themselves and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness. Don’t forget to provide serving spoons and napkins!
You can also get creative with the toppings. Offer a variety of options like chopped green onions, crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, or diced tomatoes. Let your guests customize their own mac and cheese creations.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover copycat chick fil a mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Properly stored, it will maintain its flavor and texture.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, cook the macaroni and combine it with the sauce.
Alternatively, you can assemble the entire mac and cheese in the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
For a quick and easy meal prep, portion the mac and cheese into individual containers and store them in the refrigerator. This is a great way to have a ready-to-go lunch or dinner.
Common mistakes when making Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
- Overcooking the macaroni: Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy mac and cheese.
- Not stirring the sauce constantly: The cheese sauce needs to be stirred constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Use a whisk to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Using low-quality cheese: The quality of the cheese will greatly impact the flavor of the mac and cheese. Use good quality cheese for the best results.
- Baking for too long: Overbaking the mac and cheese will result in a dry and crusty top. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s golden brown and bubbly. To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Not seasoning properly: Seasoning is key to a flavorful mac and cheese. Don’t be afraid to add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Final notes
This copycat chick fil a mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations and toppings to create your own signature dish.
Don’t be intimidated by the recipe. With a few simple steps, you can create a cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a perfect way to bring comfort and joy to your table. Happy cooking!
Loved this Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese? Try these next
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
- Homemade Candied Pecans
- Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
- Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars
- Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie
Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Craving that creamy, dreamy mac and cheese from Chick-fil-A? Now you can make it at home with this incredibly easy and delicious copycat recipe! Get ready for a cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- While the macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an even creamier mac and cheese, use a combination of cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg