Copycat Chick Fil A Macaroni and Cheese

This Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with a golden, crispy topping everyone loves. Make it at home easily with simple ingredients and step-by-step directions for a delicious, comforting dish!

Jump to Recipe

This copycat chick-fil-a macaroni and cheese recipe brings creamy, cheesy goodness straight to your kitchen. Perfectly golden and packed with rich flavor, it's a side dish everyone loves. Make it at home with simple ingredients and easy steps for a delicious treat. Serve it with your favorite meals, or enjoy it all on its own for pure comfort food bliss.

This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow our step-by-step photos and directions below. We've included pro tips and tricks to help you nail the dish, plus answers to frequently asked questions for the best results!

Whip up this copycat chick-fil-a macaroni and cheese recipe in just forty minutes for creamy, cheesy perfection. Its rich, golden layers make it the ultimate comfort food for dinner, parties, or potlucks. This dish stands out with its blend of gooey cheeses and a crispy topping, just like the original. You’ll love how easy it is to recreate this fan-favorite at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance!

What you'll need to make this Chick Fil A Macaroni and Cheese Recipe:

• 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons of salted butter, sliced into pats
• 1½ cups of whole milk
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon of table salt
• ½ teaspoon of white pepper
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
• 2 cups of freshly shredded Colby jack cheese (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cups)
• ½ cup of freshly shredded Gouda cheese
• ½ cup of freshly shredded American cheese
• ½ cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Personalize your copycat chick-fil-a macaroni and cheese recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes make it uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Substitute Macaroni: Try penne or cavatappi for a fun twist on the classic noodle shape.

Substitute Cheddar Cheese: Use Colby Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a creamier texture or a spicier kick.

Swap Heavy Cream: Instead of heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk to adjust the richness of the sauce.

Add Bacon Crumbles: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for an irresistible smoky flavor and extra crunch.

Add Bread Crumbs: Use panko or seasoned bread crumbs for a golden, crispy topping with added texture.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make this amazing recipe. Everything you need is right below, so let’s get started and create the best Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese copycat recipe ever!

FIRST STEP: Fill a 4 to 5-quart saucepan about two-thirds full of water over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, add the dry elbow macaroni noodles. 

Stir often to keep the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente. The macaroni will bake for an additional 25–30 minutes. 

Drain the cooked pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. It will also help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy as it sits. 

SECOND STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Make the Base of the Cheese Sauce

THIRD STEP: You can use the same saucepan to make the cheese sauce, or you can use a different saucepan.

Add the sliced butter pats to the saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the quarter cup of flour. 

Continue whisking for about two minutes or until you can no longer smell the flour. 

FOURTH STEP: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking constantly to ensure no lumps remain. 

FIFTH STEP: Whisk in the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. 

Continue cooking and whisking for four to five minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add the Cheese

SIXTH STEP: Lower the heat to low. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack, Gouda, American cheese, and Parmesan cheese. 

Continue stirring just until the cheese is melted. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni.

SEVENTH STEP: Lightly spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

EIGHTH STEP: Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded Colby jack cheese. 

Bake the Mac & Cheese

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the shredded cheddar jack is melted, and the filling is bubbly. You can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. 

You do not want the top to be browned. Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving.

This copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe works for so many occasions and seasons! Its creamy, cheesy flavor pleases both kids and adults, making it a versatile dish for any gathering. Here are some fun and delicious ways to serve it:

• Family Dinners: This mac and cheese turns a regular dinner into something special with its creamy, homemade flavor. Pair it with baked chicken or corn on the cob for a complete meal the whole family will love.
• Potlucks and Parties: Bring this dish to a potluck or party, and watch it disappear! Its crowd-pleasing flavor pairs perfectly with pulled pork or barbecue sliders, making it a guaranteed hit.
• Holiday Feasts: Serve this fast food mac and cheese as a comforting side dish during the holidays. It complements Thanksgiving roasted turkey, ham, or buttery dinner rolls, adding a rich, cheesy touch to your festive table.

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is a favorite for so many delicious reasons. Its creamy, cheesy goodness wins hearts every time! Here’s why our readers can’t get enough of this recipe:

• Unbeatable Comfort Food: This mac and cheese delivers a warm, creamy texture with golden, cheesy perfection in every bite. It’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
• Simple Yet Luxurious: The blend of cheeses and smooth sauce creates a rich and indulgent experience without being overly complicated. It’s an ideal dish to elevate any meal without the stress of complicated cooking.
• Loved by All Ages: Both kids and adults adore this mac and cheese for its familiar flavors and satisfying taste. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works for weeknight dinners or special celebrations.

Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, this recipe brings joy to every table!

What type of cheese is best for chick-fil-a mac and cheese?
A blend of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheeses works best to recreate the creamy and flavorful Chick-fil-A mac and cheese.

How do I get the golden, crispy topping on my baked mac and cheese?
Broil the dish for two to three minutes after baking to create the perfect golden and crispy cheese layer on top.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish earlier and bake it right before serving for fresh, cheesy perfection every time.

What is the secret to creamy mac and cheese?
The secret lies in whisking the sauce until smooth and using high-quality cheeses that melt evenly for a velvety texture.

How should I serve chick-fil-a mac and cheese for the best experience?
Serve it warm, straight from the oven, so the cheese stays gooey and the topping remains perfectly crisp.

Can I serve this mac and cheese as a main dish?
Yes, it works as a hearty main dish when paired with a salad or fresh bread for a complete meal.

How can I portion this recipe for larger gatherings?
Double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish to ensure everyone gets a creamy, cheesy serving.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, kids love its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it a go-to choice for family dinners or parties.

Follow the directions below for tips and tricks to store your chick-fil-a mac and cheese. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered so every bite stays cheesy and delicious.

Can I make chick-fil-a mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to twenty-four hours. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.

How should I store leftover chick-fil-a mac and cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze chick-fil-a mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat chick-fil-a mac and cheese?
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use the microwave in short increments, stirring to avoid drying out.

Get the BEST Recipes on Pinterest

Follow Us

Copycat Chick Fil A Macaroni and Cheese

This Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with a golden, crispy topping everyone loves. Make it at home easily with simple ingredients and step-by-step directions for a delicious, comforting dish!

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Cheesy, Dinner Casserole, Pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into pats)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups Colby jack cheese (freshly shredded (divided into 1½ cups and ½ cups))
• ½ cup gouda cheese (freshly shredded)
• ½ cup American cheese (freshly shredded)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)

DIRECTIONS

 

• Fill a 4 to 5-quart saucepan about ⅔ full with water over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, add the dry elbow macaroni. Stir often to keep the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente. The macaroni will bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. It will also help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy as it sits.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• You can use the same saucepan to make the cheese sauce, or you can use a different saucepan. Add the sliced butter pats to the saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the ¼ cup flour. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes or until you can no longer smell the flour.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking constantly to ensure no lumps remain.
• Whisk in the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking and whisking for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Lower the heat to low. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack, gouda, American cheese, and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring just until the cheese is melted. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni.
• Lightly spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the shredded Colby jack is melted and the filling is bubbly. You can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. You do not want the top to be browned. Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
• Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your mac and cheese as the suggested baking time approaches.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 686IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 381mg | Iron: 1mg

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes