Name: Copycat Chick-fil-A Style Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded American cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I love making this copycat Chick-fil-A style mac and cheese when I want something creamy, rich, and comforting. It has a smooth, cheesy sauce made from a blend of classic cheeses and finishes in the oven with a golden, bubbly top that feels just like the restaurant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it delivers that familiar, ultra-creamy texture with simple ingredients I usually already have at home. I like how the combination of cheeses creates depth of flavor, while baking it at the end gives it that irresistible finish. It works perfectly as a side dish, but I often find myself treating it like the main event.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded American cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions

I start by cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain it and set it aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter and whisk in the flour, letting it cook briefly to form a smooth roux. I slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.

I lower the heat and stir in all the cheeses, mixing until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. I season it with salt, pepper, and paprika if I’m using it. Once the sauce is ready, I fold in the cooked macaroni until every piece is well coated. I transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake it until bubbly and lightly golden on top, then let it rest briefly before serving.

Servings and Timing

I usually make this recipe to serve about 6 people. It takes me around 10 minutes to prep, about 25 minutes to cook, and roughly 35 minutes total from start to finish.

Variations

I like to mix things up by adding a bit of shredded mozzarella for extra stretch or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat. Sometimes I stir in roasted broccoli when I want to turn it into a heartier dish. Switching the cheddar for a smoked version also gives it a deeper flavor that I really enjoy.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I usually add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the oven to bring back the creamy texture. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

I often prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to serve, I bake it until hot and bubbly.

Why is American cheese important in this recipe?

I use American cheese because it melts smoothly and helps create that signature creamy texture without becoming grainy.

Can I skip baking and serve it straight from the stove?

I do this sometimes when I’m short on time. It’s still delicious and creamy, just without the golden baked top.

What pasta works best besides elbow macaroni?

I like using cavatappi or shells since they hold the cheese sauce really well.

How do I prevent grainy cheese sauce?

I always shred my own cheese and keep the heat low when melting it, which helps the sauce stay smooth.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese because it’s comforting, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve for gatherings, and I love how flexible it is for adding my own twists.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Style Mac and Cheese