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chick fil a mac and cheese recipe — hero featured shot — finished dish top-down on white plate
Dana

The Best Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

A rich and creamy copycat recipe for the famous Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, featuring a blend of three cheeses and a perfectly browned top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground paprika
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 16 ounces freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup italian blend cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Whisk
  • Colander
  • Small Bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Cheese Grater

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot of salted water, boil the elbow macaroni for 20 minutes as specified for the correct texture.
  2. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
  3. To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk a little at a time until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  6. In a small bowl, temper the egg yolk by whisking it with a spoonful of the hot milk mixture.
  7. Whisk the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the main pot of sauce.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in the torn American cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and all of the Italian blend cheese.
  9. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
  11. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  13. Place under the broiler until the cheese is browned and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  14. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Cooking the pasta for the full 20 minutes is crucial for achieving the correct texture in this recipe. Watch the broiler closely, as the cheese topping can brown and burn in just a few seconds.