Description
This creamy Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese copycat tastes just like the real thing—rich, cheesy, and topped with a bubbly golden crust. It’s the ultimate comforting side dish that comes together easily with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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4 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup butter
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt (more to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: parsley and paprika for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
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Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thick enough to coat a spoon.
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Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack until smooth and melted. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and fold until fully coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (optional), top with extra cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with parsley or paprika and serve warm.
Notes
For maximum creaminess, shred your own cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Skipping the bake keeps it extra creamy; baking gives that signature golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Optional Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg