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Copycat Chick-fil-A Macaroni and Cheese

A close-up of creamy, cheesy Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese with a slightly baked top, served on a white plate.
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Make a creamy, rich macaroni and cheese at home that tastes just like the popular restaurant version.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 ounces Velveeta or American cheese, cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cubed Velveeta/American cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Warming the milk and cream slightly before adding them to the roux helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • For a slightly crispier top, you can sprinkle a small amount of extra shredded cheddar on top before the final 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/chick-fil-a-mac-and-cheese-recipe-copycat/