Description

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy delight of homemade Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese. This recipe combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all enveloped in a smooth, buttery cheese sauce. Optionally baked to achieve a golden, crispy top, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

1 cup elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

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 and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 1 cup of elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a light golden color to form a roux.
Add the milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Make sure to avoid lumps for a silky texture.
Melt the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Optional baking step: For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy depth of flavor, but you can substitute with mild cheddar if preferred.
Whole milk ensures a creamy sauce; for lighter options, 2% milk may be used but with less richness.
Make sure to cook the roux properly to avoid a raw flour taste in your sauce.
For smaller portions, the recipe can be halved or doubled with proportional ingredient adjustments.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding a breadcrumb topping before baking enhances crunchiness if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food