Description
This Tasty Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe replicates the creamy, rich, and cheesy comfort food favorite known for its ultra-tender elbow macaroni cooked longer than usual to achieve a velvety texture. The cheese sauce is crafted with a smooth roux, tempered egg yolk, and a blend of American, extra sharp cheddar, and Italian cheeses to deliver a luscious, custard-like coating. Finished with a golden bubbly cheddar crust under the broiler, this homemade mac and cheese elevates the classic side dish to restaurant-quality indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter (preferably Kerrygold unsalted)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 8 slices American cheese, torn
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided into two 4 oz portions)
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
For the Topping:
- 4 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb elbow macaroni and cook for 20 minutes until very tender, which is longer than usual to get a soft texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the Roux: While the macaroni cooks, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp paprika, whisking constantly to form a smooth, fragrant roux. Cook for about 1 minute without browning.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually add 2 cups whole milk to the roux, whisking well after each addition to avoid lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 egg yolk and slowly incorporate a spoonful of the hot sauce to temper it. Then, pour the tempered yolk back into the sauce and whisk until combined and smooth.
- Melt the Cheeses into the Sauce: Lower heat to low. Gradually stir in 8 torn slices of American cheese, half (4 oz) of the grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese. Stir continuously until all cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Gently fold them together until the pasta is fully coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Broil the Macaroni and Cheese: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 4 oz grated extra sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under a preheated oven broiler and broil until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning; rotate the dish if necessary for even browning.
- Serve the Macaroni and Cheese: Remove from the oven once the topping is browned. Let cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy the creamy, indulgent mac and cheese.
Notes
- Cooking macaroni longer than usual creates an ultra-tender, custard-like texture that mimics Chick-fil-A’s distinctive mac and cheese.
- Tempering the egg yolk before adding to the sauce ensures it blends smoothly without curdling, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Using freshly grated cheeses enhances meltability and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Broil the assembled dish closely and watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta
