Name: Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sweet chili sauce; ½ cup pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup pineapple chunks; Sliced scallions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Indulge in creamy, cheesy, and rich mac and cheese just like Chick-fil-A’s famous version, made right at home. With a combination of four cheeses and a crispy topping, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy: A decadent blend of American, Parmesan, Romano, and Colby Jack cheeses makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Baked to Perfection: The cheese on top melts beautifully and forms a bubbly golden crust.
Customizable: Add a crispy breadcrumb topping for a little crunch or adjust the cheese mix to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy: Made in under an hour, this mac and cheese is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (16 oz) elbow macaroni pasta
2 teaspoons salt, divided
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup American cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
½ cup Romano cheese, shredded
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Prep and Boil Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop 2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture begins to simmer and thickens.
Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat and begin adding the shredded cheeses (American, Parmesan, Romano) in ¼ cup handfuls, stirring well between each addition until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Optional Topping:
In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Panko breadcrumbs and cook until lightly golden. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese (optional but adds a delightful crunch).
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the sauce is bubbling at the sides.
Serve:
Let the mac and cheese cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon bits or sausage for a meaty version.
Spicy: Stir in some jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Veggie Boost: Add cooked broccoli or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions of the mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as shells or penne.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to bake it a few extra minutes if you’re making a larger batch.

4. Can I skip the baking step?

You can, but baking creates that perfect bubbly, golden top that makes the dish extra special. If you skip it, just serve the stovetop mac and cheese as is.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, half-and-half, or a non-dairy milk (like coconut or almond) for a lighter version, but it may affect the creaminess.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, feel free to add more cheese to suit your taste! Additional shredded cheddar or a combination of cheese will make the dish even richer.

7. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Make sure to keep the heat low when adding the cheese and stir constantly. Avoid high heat after the cheese is added to prevent separation.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly and result in a creamier sauce.

9. Can I freeze mac and cheese after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese. Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping and storing.

10. Can I make this without the breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! The breadcrumbs add crunch, but the dish is still delicious without them.

Conclusion

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and the perfect comfort food. With the blend of four cheeses, a touch of garlic, and a golden crust, it’s sure to become a favorite. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!