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Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy Party Side Dish

Chick-fil-A mac and cheese - featured image
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This homemade Chick-fil-A mac and cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a signature golden crust, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing party side. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight comfort food, it’s easy to make and always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced or torn American cheese (deli slices)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for topping)
  • Extra cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan for topping (about 1/2 cup total)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water (add 1 tablespoon salt) to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain well and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until steaming, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, American cheese, and Parmesan. Whisk constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add salt and black pepper to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Transfer drained macaroni to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and gently stir to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle extra cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan on top (about 1/2 cup total). Optionally, dust with smoked paprika.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until heated through and cheese topping starts to melt.
  9. Move dish to top rack and broil on HIGH for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  10. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. If the sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk. Don’t overbake or the sauce may separate. For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For a spicy kick, add pepper jack cheese. Make ahead by assembling up to the baking step and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, copycat, party side, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, Southern, potluck, cheese blend

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/chick-fil-a-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-party-side-dish/