Chick Fil A Style Mac and Cheese
This Chick Fil A Style Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite recreated at home using simple ingredients. It delivers a smooth, velvety texture and rich cheddar flavor, perfect as a side dish or main meal addition for all ages.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to avoid mushiness in the final dish.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, cooking for about 2 minutes. This forms the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling gently, creating a smooth, luscious texture.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts evenly without clumping. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated with creamy cheddar goodness. Add any desired mix-ins at this stage.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, garnished if desired, or transfer to a baking dish to bake for a golden crust on top.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid clumps and improve melting.
- Melt cheese on low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.
- Whisk the milk and roux mixture continuously to avoid lumps and create a silky sauce.
- Aim to cook pasta al dente as it will absorb sauce and soften further when combined.
- Adjust salt and spices gradually to avoid overpowering the cheese flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Chick Fil A mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy side dish, comfort food