When I visit Chick Fil A, I always get the mac and cheese. Loaded with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, it’s so creamy, tangy, and flavorful! This Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe is so spot-on, I think it would win a blind taste test! I love that I can make my favorite mac and cheese at home in huge quantities for way less money, and my kids can’t even tell the difference! Mom win!
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Creamy Mac and Cheese (Chick Fil A Copyccat)
Chick Fil A mac and cheese is unlike any other mac and cheese I’ve ever had. The mixture of cheeses is so unique and flavorful—no wonder it’s so wildly popular! In researching for this recipe, I found that Chick Fil A mac and cheese contains cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. I decided to add two types of cheddar, plus American cheese to make it extra creamy. This mac and cheese tastes just like my favorite Chick Fil A side dish!
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Equipment
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9×13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry elbow pasta* (1 box)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (½ stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ cups freshly grated yellow cheddar cheese** divided
- 1½ cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese divided
- 8 slices American cheese diced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
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Bring a large pot of salted water up to a boil. Boil the noodles until they are just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside. It will continue to cook after it is drained and again when it’s mixed with the sauce.16 ounces dry elbow pasta*
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In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes while whisking constantly.4 tablespoons salted butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour
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Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir often, and lower the temperature as needed so the dish doesn’t burn.2½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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Gradually add in cheeses so they melt evenly and don’t curdle. Stir in 1 cup yellow cheddar, 1 cup white cheddar cheese, and all of the American cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese to the sauce slowly. Cook until all of the cheese is melted.1½ cups freshly grated yellow cheddar cheese**, 1½ cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese, 8 slices American cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
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Gently fold in the noodles and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
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Top with the remaining yellow and white cheddar.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
Notes
**I like to use freshly shredded cheeses for the best melt and the creamiest results.
Nutrition
How to Make Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Step by Step
Gather all your ingredients.
Boil the Pasta and Make the Roux: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water up to a boil. Boil 16 ounces of elbow macaroni noodles until they are just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside. In a medium pot, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes while whisking constantly.
Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk in 2½ cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir often, and lower the temperature as needed so the dish doesn’t burn.
Add the Cheeses: Gradually add in cheeses so they melt evenly and don’t curdle. Stir in 1 cup of grated yellow cheddar cheese, 1 cup of grated white cheddar cheese, 8 slices of cubed American cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of grated Romano cheese slowly to the sauce. Cook until all of the cheese is melted.
Fold in the Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked noodles and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top with Cheese: Top with the remaining ½ cup of grated yellow cheddar and ½ cup of grated white cheddar.
Bake and Serve: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
How to Store and Reheat
Store Chick Fil A mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pot set over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to moisten. You can also warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
I love this Chick Fil A mac and cheese with just about anything; it’s such a versatile side dish! My favorite thing to do for my boys is have Chick Fil A at home night and serve it up with crispy chicken sandwiches or baked chicken nuggets and homemade french fries. And of course, don’t forget the Chick Fil A sauce!
more mac and cheese recipes to try
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