Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe (Baked Copycat Version)

If you love the ultra-creamy, golden-topped side from the drive-thru, this Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe lets you bring that comfort right into your own kitchen. It uses real shredded cheese, tender elbow pasta, and a simple stovetop sauce that bakes up with a bubbly, browned top. This homemade version still feels indulgent, but you can control the ingredients, lighten the dairy if you want, and even swap the pasta to fit gluten-free needs. It works perfectly as a cozy family side, a holiday dish, or a make-ahead meal prep option.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Diet Type: Comfort Food, Kid-Friendly, Can Be Gluten-Free

You’ll find a printable recipe card with exact measurements and nutrition details at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

For the pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the pasta water)

For the creamy cheese sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
• 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for a lighter version)
• 1 cup half-and-half (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese blend

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Romano or Asiago cheese (optional, for a stronger flavor)

Optional toppings

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for the very top
• 1 tablespoon melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust

Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside; do not rinse.
2. Prep the baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan with butter or a quick spray of oil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Make the roux. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture looks smooth and slightly foamy but not browned.
4. Add the milk and half-and-half. Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, a little at a time, whisking well to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking often, for 4–6 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season the sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Stir in the cheeses. Turn off the heat. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar, all of the Jack cheese, Parmesan, and Romano. Stir until all the cheese fully melts and the sauce looks smooth and glossy.
7. Combine pasta and sauce. In a large bowl or the pasta pot, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated. The mixture should be creamy and slightly loose; it will thicken more in the oven.
8. Transfer to baking dish. Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
9. Top with more cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar evenly over the top. Add the extra Parmesan if you like a more pronounced cheesy crust.
10. Add breadcrumb topping (optional). If you want a crunchy finish, stir together the melted butter and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over part or all of the surface.
11. Bake until bubbly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and starting to turn golden.
12. Broil for color (optional). For a more Chick-fil-A-style browned top, switch the oven to broil for 1–3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
13. Cool slightly and serve. Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5–10 minutes so it can set slightly. Then scoop into bowls and enjoy warm.

Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

Tips & Variations

• Use a block of cheese. Shred cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and creates a creamier Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe texture.
• Lighten it up. Use 2% milk and skip the half-and-half, or replace half the cheese with reduced-fat cheddar. The sauce will still taste rich but with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
• Gluten-free twist. Swap in gluten-free elbow pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend in the roux. Check that your breadcrumbs, if using, are gluten-free too.
• Extra-creamy style. For an ultra-saucy pan, reduce the pasta to 10 oz or add an additional 1/2 cup of milk. Slightly underbaking keeps it creamier.
• Make it smoky. Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken or barbecue.
• Add protein. Stir in diced grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled turkey sausage for a one-pan meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe works as a side dish for busy weeknights, game day spreads, and holidays. Serve it next to grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a pile of roasted veggies for a more balanced plate. A bright salad or simply steamed broccoli helps cut through the richness and adds fiber.

For a fun fast-food-style menu at home, pair it with crispy chicken tenders, a big platter of raw veggies, and a light drink. If you enjoy sweet-and-savory combos, the white peach sangria floral mocktail offers a refreshing, alcohol-free option that still feels special.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheating: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until hot in the center.
• Microwave reheating: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a spoonful of milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30–45 second bursts, stirring between each, until creamy and hot.
• Prevent drying out: Always add a bit of liquid before reheating; it helps loosen the sauce and brings the texture back to creamy instead of grainy.

Nutrition Highlights

Per serving (about 1 cup), this Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe provides approximately 380–420 calories, 17–20 grams of protein, 30–34 grams of carbohydrates, and 20–24 grams of fat, with about 1–2 grams of fiber. The dish is rich in calcium and provides a good amount of protein thanks to the cheese and milk. However, like most creamy pastas, it also contains saturated fat and sodium, so it works best as a sometimes comfort food balanced with vegetables and lean protein on the side. For more guidance on building balanced meals with dairy and grains, you can check a resource such as the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines.

Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

Why This Recipe Matters to Me

Growing up, mac and cheese always meant comfort for Adam, but it usually came from a box and left him feeling heavy. Later, when he started focusing on better ingredients and cooking more at home, he wanted a way to enjoy that same cozy feeling with a bit more intention. Recreating a Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe in his own kitchen helped him strike that balance. He could use real cheese, adjust the richness, and serve it with plenty of colorful veggies on the side. Now it is a family favorite on cold nights and an easy dish to bring to friends.

FAQ About Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love creamy comfort food, you might also enjoy the cheesy, cozy flavors of the easy chicken pot pie meal prep, which bakes into individual portions perfect for busy weeks.

For a lighter side to serve with this Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe, try the fresh and bright ribbon carrot salad or the high-protein, veggie-packed high-protein pasta salad.

When you want a cozy drink to go with your meal, the cloud coffee and the chilled vegan iced coffee recipe both offer fun café-style options you can make at home.

For dessert, check out the rich but better-balanced high-protein chocolate mousse or the fun frozen treat collection in the gluten-free ice cream sandwiches recipe.

Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe

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Print Recipe

This Chick Fil A mac and cheese recipe is a cozy, baked copycat you can make right at home. Tender elbow macaroni is folded into a rich, ultra-creamy cheese sauce, then topped with extra cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It delivers that classic drive-thru flavor with a little more control over ingredients and portions. Serve it as a family-friendly side dish for weeknights, holidays, or potlucks when you want comfort food that everyone recognizes.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz elbow macaroni (regular or gluten-free)

2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the pasta water)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour blend)

2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)

1 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup grated Romano or Asiago cheese (optional)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

1 tablespoon melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and cook the elbow macaroni 1–2 minutes less than package directions for al dente.

3. Drain the pasta, rinse lightly if it seems very starchy, and set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste.

5. Cook the butter and flour mixture for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it smells slightly nutty and looks foamy but not browned.

6. Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

7. Cook the sauce, stirring often, for 4–6 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

8. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Turn off the heat and add 1 1/2 cups cheddar, the Jack cheese, Parmesan, and Romano, stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

10. Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl or the pasta pot, stirring until every piece of macaroni is well coated.

11. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

12. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and extra Parmesan over the top, then add the buttered breadcrumbs if using.

13. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is melted and lightly golden.

14. For a deeper browned crust, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1–3 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn.

15. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes before scooping and serving warm.

Notes

For a slightly lighter version, use 2% milk and reduce the total cheese by about 1/2 cup while keeping the same bake time.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow pasta, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and gluten-free breadcrumbs if you add the crunchy topping.

You can prep the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount in a covered baking dish at 325°F until hot in the center.

• Author: Adam Moretti
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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