There’s something about ultra-creamy, perfectly seasoned mac and cheese that just hits different. Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese brings that same ridiculously smooth, rich texture right to your kitchenno drive-thru needed.
I spent a whole weekend in 2019 testing cheese ratios until I nailed that signature velvety sauce. My daughter kept asking why I was stirring “so many pots of noodles,” but the fourth batch finally had that glossy, cling-to-every-elbow consistency we were chasing. The trick is tempering your eggs slowlyit keeps everything silky without any grainy bits.
Enjoy this creamy Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese featuring sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This recipe delivers a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for any family meal with a golden baked topping for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni dry
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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
¼ cup shredded Colby Jack or extra cheddar for topping
Instructions
Prepare the elbow macaroni by boiling it until it reaches a firm tender state, then drain thoroughly.
Gently melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat before stirring in the flour and cooking it for a couple of minutes to create a thick base.
Slowly add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps, cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika, then melt in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully combined and smooth.
Incorporate the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated well.
Transfer the cheesy pasta to a baking dish and sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese evenly on top.
Use the broiler on high heat to brown the top layer for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
For a creamier texture, cook pasta until just al dente and don’t overcook before combining with the sauce
You can switch cheeses like Colby, Gruyere, or mozzarella for unique flavors
If no broiler is available, bake at 400°F 205°C for 8 to 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 cup
Calories:Approximately 550 kcal
Sugar:6 g
Sodium:650 mg
Fat:32 g
Saturated Fat:17 g
Unsaturated Fat:6 g
Trans Fat:0 g
Carbohydrates:40 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:20 g
Cholesterol:90 mg
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Copycat
This Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese delivers that signature rich, velvety sauce without leaving your kitchen. The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a perfectly balanced flavortangy, creamy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Ready in 30 minutes: From boiling pasta to broiling that golden top, it’s faster than most drive-thru lines.
Family-approved texture: The roux-based sauce clings to every elbow, giving you that signature smooth consistency in every bite.
Customizable heat: White pepper adds a subtle warmth, but you can easily adjust or swap in black pepper for a milder version.
Minimal cleanup: One saucepan for the cheese sauce, one pot for pastano complicated equipment or extra dishes piling up.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
The magic starts with your cheese blend. Sharp cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor while Monterey Jack adds creaminess and helps the sauce stay smooth. Colby Jack on top creates that bubbly, golden crust everyone fights over.
Whole milk is essential hereit gives the sauce body without feeling heavy. The butter and flour roux thickens everything just enough to coat the macaroni without turning gluey. Paprika and white pepper add gentle warmth and a hint of color that mimics the original’s signature look.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the whole milklower-fat versions can make the sauce thin and less luxurious.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni until just al denteslightly firm to the bite. Drain and set aside while you build the cheese sauce.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Let it cook for a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and let it thicken for 3–4 minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon, stir in your salt, pepper, paprika, and both cheeses until everything melts into a glossy sauce.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, pour into a baking dish, and top with extra cheese. Broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden, then serve immediately while it’s still hot and stretchy.
Timing & Temperature Guide
Step
Time
Temperature/Setting
Cook macaroni
8–10 minutes
Boiling water
Make roux
1–2 minutes
Medium heat
Thicken sauce
3–4 minutes
Medium heat, whisking
Melt cheese
2–3 minutes
Low-medium heat
Broil topping
3–5 minutes
High broil
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
If you don’t have Monterey Jack, try mozzarella for extra stretch or Gruyere for a nutty, sophisticated twist. Colby melts beautifully and adds a mild sweetness that kids love. For a bolder flavor, swap half the cheddar for smoked cheddar or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
No broiler? Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. You’ll lose a little of that crispy edge, but the flavor stays rich and creamy.
Note: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of milk when folding in the pastait’ll loosen up without losing flavor.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
Serve this as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also works beautifully as a main for lunch or a cozy weeknight dinner when you’re craving pure comfort.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texturemicrowaving can dry it out, so low and slow is your friend here.
Storage Method
Duration
Best Reheating Tip
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Stovetop with splash of milk
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight, reheat gently
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the pasta before mixing it with the sauce is the biggest culprit for mushy mac and cheese. Always cook to al denteit’ll soften slightly as it bakes and absorbs the sauce.
Rushing the roux or skipping the whisking step can leave you with lumps or a gritty texture. Take your time stirring in the milk gradually, and the sauce will reward you with silky smoothness.
Pro Tip: Don’t walk away during the broilit goes from golden to burnt in seconds. Keep the oven door cracked and watch closely for that perfect bubbly finish.
How I Finally Nailed Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese at Home
This Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese recipe didn’t come together overnight. I spent months testing different cheese ratios and cooking methods before landing on the version I’m sharing today. The breakthrough came when I stopped rushing the sauce and let the flavors develop slowly. Now it tastes just like the original.
FAQs ( Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese )
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A blend of sharp cheddar and American cheese creates the perfect creamy texture and tangy flavor. The American cheese helps with smooth melting while sharp cheddar adds depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Keep the heat on medium-low and add cheese gradually while whisking constantly. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent overheating. If the sauce does become grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk to help smooth it out.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir gently over low heat to restore creaminess. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking when reheated.
What pasta shape gives the most authentic results?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but cavatappi or shells work wonderfully too. These shapes have curves that hold the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will finish cooking in the cheese sauce.
How long does this meal stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The texture may thicken when cold, but gentle reheating with a little milk will restore its creamy consistency. Always reheat to 165°F for food safety.
This Chick fil A Style Mac and Cheese comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers that signature creamy texture every single time. You’ll love how the sauce clings to each elbow, rich and silky without feeling heavy. It’s comfort food that actually tastes like you rememberwarm, indulgent, and impossible to stop eating.
Try stirring in a handful of crispy bacon or roasted broccoli florets for extra flavor and texture. If you’re meal prepping, portion leftovers into individual containersthey reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk on the stovetop. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: always save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens up in the fridge.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
