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Chick Fil A Style Mac and Cheese

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Chick Fil A mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy side dish, comfort food