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Creamy Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Casserole

Chick-fil-A mac and cheese casserole - featured image
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This creamy Chick-fil-A mac and cheese casserole is a crowd-pleasing, party-perfect dish with a velvety cheese sauce, golden bubbly top, and nostalgic comfort. It’s easy to make, travels well, and is always the first to disappear at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes.
  3. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  5. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer; sauce will thicken after 3–4 minutes.
  6. Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth in a blender or food processor. Stir into the sauce.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Pour drained pasta into the baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over and mix gently to coat every noodle.
  9. In a bowl, toss shredded cheddar, panko, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. If top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for last 10 minutes.
  11. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grate your own cheese for best melt. Blend cottage cheese for ultra-creamy texture. Don’t overcook pasta or bake too long. For gluten-free, use GF pasta, flour, and panko. Let casserole rest before serving for clean slices. Assemble ahead and bake before serving for parties.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, Chick-fil-A copycat, casserole, party food, comfort food, baked pasta, cheese, potluck, kid-friendly, easy recipe

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