Description
Make the famous creamy and cheesy Mac and Cheese from Chick-fil-A at home with this easy copycat recipe. This tutorial delivers the rich flavor profile you expect.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (for creaminess)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cubed Velveeta cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- If you prefer a stovetop version without baking, skip steps 6 through 8 and serve immediately after mixing the pasta into the sauce.
- To achieve the specific tanginess often associated with the restaurant version, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the milk mixture before thickening.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 85