Description
This Chick Fil A Style Mac And Cheese is a rich and decadent dish featuring a luscious, homemade cheese sauce made from a thoughtful combination of cheeses, tossed with tender pasta. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food that brings the beloved fast-food side dish straight to your dining table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup American cheese, grated
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until it's just al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth, light golden paste forms.
- Gradually add 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into your roux while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, 0.25 teaspoon of onion powder, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar, 1.5 cups of grated Monterey Jack, and 0.5 cup of American cheese to the hot sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
- Add the drained, cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of reserved cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let the mac and cheese rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt, and ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness. Allow the mac and cheese to rest after baking for a creamier consistency.