Chick-fil-A Style Mac and Cheese: 5 Easy Creamy Ultra Tips Recipe
This Chick-fil-A style Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish made with elbow macaroni and a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack cheeses. It features a smooth cheese sauce thickened with a classic roux and finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper (or black pepper)
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup shredded Colby Jack or extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and set it aside to prepare the cheese sauce.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the sauce with salt, ground white or black pepper, and paprika. Then, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they fully melt into a creamy, smooth cheese sauce.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Fold the cooked and drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Prepare for Broiling: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack or extra sharp cheddar cheese on top for a delicious crust.
- Broil: Place the baking dish under the oven broiler on high. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the mac and cheese hot for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your rich, cheesy meal!
Notes
- Use fresh cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook the macaroni; al dente is best to prevent mushiness.
- Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, but whole milk provides a creamier sauce.
- For extra creaminess, adding a splash of cream or half-and-half can enhance the sauce.
Keywords: Chick-fil-A style mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheesy macaroni
