This copycat Chick fil A mac and cheese recipe is rich, cheesy, and delivers the real deal comfort food flavor straight from your kitchen.
This side dish is super easy, oh so tasty. And it tastes just like what you would get from the restaurant.
We Don’t Have a Chick-Fil-A!
The closest restaurant is three hours away. Word on the street is that they are working on building one in a larger town by us that’s only half an hour away.
So, when we get the craving for Chick-fil-A’s famous creamy mac, we turn to this homemade version. This cheese recipe uses a special blend of cheeses to mimic that unforgettable Chick-fil-A flavor.
Whether you’re craving the restaurant version or just want to impress your favorite people with a side of cheesy goodness, this creamy cheese sauce recipe is the perfect side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Copycat Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients found at any grocery store
- Creamier and more flavorful than the original recipe
- Perfect for pairing with crispy chicken nuggets, waffle fries, or chicken sandwiches
- Stores well in an airtight container
- Easy enough for family-friendly shows and dinners
Gooey mac and cheese is pure comfort food at its best. There’s a good reason kids love it so much.
Copycat Creamy Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Elbow Macaroni cooked al dente
- 2 Cups Whole Milk
- 1/4 Cup Butter ½ stick melted
- ¼ Cup Flour
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Paprika
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded
- 1/2 Cup White Cheddar shredded
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 Cup Romano Cheese grated
- 4 Slices American Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.1 Pound Elbow Macaroni
- Make Creamy Cheese Sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.1/4 Cup Butter, ¼ Cup Flour
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.2 Cups Whole Milk
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the salt and ground paprika.1/2 Teaspoon Salt, ¼ Teaspoon Ground Paprika
- Add the egg yolk and whisk quickly to incorporate.1 Large Egg Yolk
- Stir in all the cheeses—cheddar, Colby Jack, white cheddar, parmesan, Romano, and American—until fully melted and smooth. This combination of cheeses gives the sauce its rich flavor and better taste than store-bought.1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, 1/2 Cup White Cheddar, 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 1/4 Cup Romano Cheese, 4 Slices American Cheese
- Assemble and Bake. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine the cooked pasta and sauce in a large bowl. Stir until fully coated.
- Pour into a prepared baking dish, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and golden brown on top.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Nutrition
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Crispy Bacon. Stir in chopped crispy bacon before baking.
- Different Types of Cheeses. Experiment with gouda, fontina, or mozzarella.
- Lower Fat Milk. Use lower fat milk or chicken broth for a lighter version.
- Add a Golden Brown Crispy Top Layer. Top with breadcrumbs before broiling for a top layer that’s irresistible.
- Different Pastas. Replace elbow pasta with a different small pasta. Try small shells, bow ties, or rotini if you’re out of elbow macaroni.
What to Serve with Copycat Mac and Cheese
This homemade mac pairs perfectly with:
- Crispy chicken nuggets (just like Chick-fil-A!)
- Waffle fries
- Grilled chicken sandwiches
- Roasted veggies or a crisp side salad
- Sweet Iced Tea
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of whole milk or heavy cream for a smooth sauce.
Bring to room temperature before reheating for best results.
To Freeze (After Baking)
- Let the mac and cheese cool completely.
- Portion into individual servings and store in airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of whole milk or heavy cream to bring back that creamy sauce.
Freezing Tips for Best Taste
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese in freezer-bound mac—it doesn’t freeze and reheat as well.
- Add a little extra cheese on top before freezing for a golden brown finish when baked.
- The texture may change slightly, but the cheesy goodness and rich flavor are still totally worth it.
What’s the best cheese to use?
For the best taste, use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar, American, white cheddar, and Romano cheese. The special blend of cheeses gives this cheese copycat recipe its rich flavor.
Can I make this without boiling the pasta first?
No, for the perfect base, the pasta needs to be cooked al dente first to avoid using too much water in the final dish.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For a creamy sauce, always shred your own.
What if I want to make it stovetop-only?
You can skip the baking step and serve it right after mixing the cooked pasta with the creamy cheese sauce. Still delicious!
This copycat Chick Fil A mac and cheese is the quintessential comfort food. A homemade version that’s creamier, cheesier, and made with love. If you’re on the hunt for copycat recipes, or just craving a cheesy indulgence, this dish satisfies every time.
My family loved this!