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Chick Fil A Mac Cheese

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This creamy mac and cheese captures the indulgent flavor and texture of Chick Fil A’s famous side dish. Made with elbow noodles, a velvety cheese sauce from American, cheddar, and Italian cheeses, and enriched with whole milk and egg yolk, it delivers smooth, rich comfort food at home. Baking finishes it with a golden crust, perfect for serving warm alongside your favorite mains or as a satisfying snack.

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Luna chef wearing a white shirt.
Crafted By Luna
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:39:53 GMT
A close up of a delicious mac and cheese dish. Save
A close up of a delicious mac and cheese dish. | myhomemademeal.com

This Chick Fil A mac and cheese copycat recipe recreates the classic restaurant side dish perfectly. It is incredibly creamy and indulgent just like the original, making it the ultimate comfort food you can enjoy at home.

Ingredients

  • Elbow noodles: choose good quality pasta for the best texture and creaminess
  • Butter: for making a roux that forms the base of the sauce
  • All purpose flour: to thicken the sauce and give it body
  • Paprika: just a pinch adds a subtle smoky depth to the flavor
  • Whole milk: use whole milk for the richest, creamiest sauce
  • Egg yolk: adds richness and helps thicken the sauce without curdling when tempered properly
  • American cheese slices: torn into pieces for that classic smooth melt and flavor
  • Mild shredded cheddar cheese: adds a nice sharpness and gooey texture
  • Shredded Italian blend cheese: provides complexity and extra creaminess

Step by step instructions

Sauté the Pasta:
Cook the elbow noodles in boiling water for 20 minutes stirring often so they do not stick. This long cooking time saturates the pasta to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce later. Drain well once done.
Make the Roux:
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 60 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the whole milk one cup at a time. Add the paprika and continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
Temper the Egg Yolks:
Scoop a small amount of the hot roux into a bowl and quickly whisk in the egg yolk until combined. Then whisk this mixture back into the main sauce in the pan to prevent curdling.
Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat to low and stir in the American cheese pieces, half of the shredded cheddar, and the Italian cheese blend. Stir until all the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Broil:
Pour the cooked pasta into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently stir to combine evenly. Spread the mixture out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and broil carefully until the top is melted and golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving warm and enjoying.
A close up of a fork in a bowl of mac and cheese. Save
A close up of a fork in a bowl of mac and cheese. | myhomemademeal.com

Storage tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through but avoid overheating to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Ingredient substitutions

For the pasta you could try small shells or cavatappi but the classic elbow noodles provide the best texture
Whole milk is essential for creaminess, but if you must, half and half can be used for an even richer sauce
If you cannot find American cheese slices use processed cheese or a mild cheddar but the flavor will be less authentic

Serving suggestions

Serve this mac and cheese as a side with crispy fried chicken or a fresh green salad for balance
It also makes a comforting main dish paired with steamed vegetables or garlic bread
Top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs for a little extra flavor and color

Cultural context

Chick Fil A mac and cheese is a beloved Southern comfort food side known for its creamy texture and cheesy richness. This recipe captures the essence of that iconic dish, bringing a taste of American Southern fast food tradition to your home kitchen.

A cup of mac and cheese with a baked crust. Save
A cup of mac and cheese with a baked crust. | myhomemademeal.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why cook pasta for 20 minutes?

Cooking pasta longer saturates it with water, preventing it from absorbing too much cheese sauce and keeping the dish creamy.

→ Can I use milk other than whole milk?

Whole milk is essential for a thick, creamy sauce. Thinner milk types may result in a runnier texture.

→ What is the purpose of tempering the egg yolk?

Tempering prevents the egg yolk from curdling when added to the hot roux, ensuring a smooth cheese sauce.

→ What cheeses are used?

A blend of American cheese slices, mild shredded cheddar, and shredded Italian blend creates the rich flavor and texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Chick Fil A Mac Cheese

Rich and creamy mac and cheese with a golden baked crust.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Crafted By: Luna

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Beginner-Friendly

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 12 Serving Size

Dietary Choices: Suitable for Vegetarians

Everything You’ll Need

→ Pasta

01 1 lb elbow macaroni

→ Roux

02 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 1/8 tsp paprika
05 2 cups whole milk
06 1 large egg yolk

→ Cheese

07 8 slices American cheese, torn into pieces
08 16 oz mild shredded cheddar cheese
09 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 03

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the paprika and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Transfer a small amount of the hot roux to a bowl, whisk in the egg yolk quickly to temper, then stir the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 05

Reduce heat to low. Add the American cheese pieces, half of the shredded cheddar, and the Italian cheese blend. Stir until all cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 06

Place the drained pasta in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently stir until evenly combined. Spread in an even layer.

Step 07

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Broil closely monitoring until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 08

Remove from oven carefully and let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Use whole milk for a rich, creamy sauce; lower fat milk will reduce creaminess.
  2. Tempering the egg yolk prevents curdling when added to the hot roux.
  3. Allow the egg yolk to reach room temperature before whisking into the roux.
  4. Cooking pasta for 20 minutes saturates it so it absorbs less cheese sauce, keeping the dish ultra creamy.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large saucepan for sauce preparation
  • Whisk
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Oven with broil function

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten
  • Contains egg

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 438
  • Fat Breakdown: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 32 grams
  • Protein Count: 20 grams