Description
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