Irresistible Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
A rich and creamy mac and cheese inspired by Chick-fil-A’s classic, featuring a delicious blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in generously salted boiling water until al dente (about 7-9 minutes). Drain thoroughly; do not rinse.
- Make the Roux: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until a pale, nutty roux forms.
- Form the Béchamel: Gradually whisk in warm milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Season and Combine: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked macaroni until fully coated.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove and Rest: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best creamy consistency.
Notes
Serve with a fresh green salad or alongside grilled chicken for a delightful meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg