Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

If you have ever ordered the Chick-fil-A mac and cheese and thought, “I need an entire pan of this,” same. 🧀 This copycat is creamy, rich, cheesy, and baked until the top gets those golden, bubbly spots that make everyone suddenly appear in the kitchen.

There is no mystery step here. You will cook the pasta, make the cheese sauce from scratch, combine everything, add the topping, bake it, and let it rest. I am spelling out the little details because a creamy cheese sauce should not require a culinary scavenger hunt.

Recipe at a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 18 to 20 minutes
• Chill Time: Not required
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

1. Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the finished mac and cheese is easier to scoop out.
2. Cook the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. You want the pasta slightly underdone because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it well and set it aside.
3. Make the roux. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. The mixture should become smooth and pale. Do not let it brown.
4. Add the dairy. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Add the half-and-half and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Keep cooking over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add the cheeses. Reduce the heat to low. Add the sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan a handful at a time. Stir until each addition melts before adding more. Add the salt and black pepper.
6. Check the sauce. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. If it becomes extremely thick before the pasta is ready, lower the heat and add a small splash of warm milk rather than letting the sauce boil.
7. Combine. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan so you do not leave the best cheese sauce behind.
8. Build the casserole. Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared 9×13-inch dish and spread it into an even layer.
9. Add the topping. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Colby Jack evenly over the top. Try to cover the surface so you get melted cheese in every scoop.
10. Bake. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the mac and cheese is hot, bubbling, and lightly golden. If you want a darker top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes while watching constantly because cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
11. Rest. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a moment to settle while keeping the pasta creamy.

Tips for Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Shred cheese from a block when possible. It melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded blends.
• Keep the cheese sauce at gentle heat once the cheese goes in.
• Do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese.
• Cook the pasta slightly underdone so it does not turn mushy in the oven.
• If the sauce is too thick before baking, add warm milk a little at a time.
• Let the finished dish rest briefly instead of serving it the second it leaves the oven.

Troubleshooting

Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?

High heat is a common culprit. Cheese can separate when it gets too hot. Keep the saucepan over low heat while adding the cheese and stir gently until each addition melts.

Why is my mac and cheese dry?

The pasta may have absorbed more sauce than expected, the sauce may have been cooked too long, or the casserole may have baked longer than necessary. Pull it when the top is bubbling and lightly golden rather than waiting for it to look completely dry.

Can I make it extra saucy?

Yes. Serve it shortly after the 5-minute rest and avoid overbaking. The sauce thickens as it cools.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, then add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if needed. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. For larger portions, cover the dish while reheating so the top does not dry out.

Easy Substitutions

Monterey Jack or mild cheddar can be used in place of some of the cheese, although the flavor will change. Keep sharp cheddar in the blend if you want a more pronounced cheese flavor. You can also use shells or another short pasta shape, but elbow macaroni gives you the classic texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze it?

Yes, although the texture is best fresh. For the best result, freeze it before baking, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake until hot throughout.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly because it does not have as many anti-caking ingredients.

Can I double it?

Yes. Use a larger baking dish or divide the mixture between two dishes so the mac and cheese does not become too deep to heat evenly.

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Build a Chick-fil-A Copycat Meal

Pair this mac with the Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and Copycat Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries for a full restaurant-style spread. For another hearty side on a comfort-food table, try Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. This recipe is the Chick-fil-A-inspired version, while Sweet Pea Kitchen Mac & Cheese is the site’s original signature mac recipe with its own cheese blend and two-method approach. Browse the full Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes collection or the larger Copycat Recipes hub for more restaurant favorites.