chick fil a mac and cheese recipe
Discover the best Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and easy to make—perfect for any meal. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water. Make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente—slightly firm to the bite. This is crucial because you don’t want the pasta to become mushy once it’s baked. After draining the pasta, set it aside and move on to making the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, slowly add in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to combine. This will create the smooth base for your cheese sauce.
- Gradually stir in your cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, a little at a time. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully, creating a velvety, creamy sauce.
- Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Taste as you go to make sure it’s perfectly seasoned.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Once the cheese sauce is nice and smooth, add the cooked pasta to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, creamy cheese sauce. You should see each elbow of pasta lovingly wrapped in that cheesy goodness.
Bake for a Golden Top
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Here’s where the magic happens: to get that signature golden, crispy top, pop the dish into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- If you like a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking. Then, for an added crispy finish, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The creamy, cheesy interior and golden top will make this dish hard to resist!
Tips for Perfection:
- Fresh cheese: For the best melt and texture, always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Pasta cooking: Remember, undercook your pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven. This ensures the perfect texture!
- Make ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When you're ready, just bake it as usual.
Notes
Here’s a detailed Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe that you can make right at home, bringing the rich, creamy goodness of the beloved fast-food dish to your kitchen. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have mac and cheese that rivals the original in flavor and texture.