Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Pasta: I use elbows in the recipe. The restaurant uses a larger noodle somewhere in between small and large elbows. Any small-shaped noodle will work. I like Barilla brand pasta.

Salt: Table salt.

Butter: Salted or unsalted will work.

All-Purpose Four: This will blend with the butter to make a roux that will thicken the cheese sauce.

Milk: I use whole milk for its richness. Room temperature is best to ensure a smooth sauce.

Half-And-Half: Adds even more richness to the cheese sauce. As with the milk, room temperature is best to ensure a smooth sauce.

American Cheese: You can buy this from the deli counter in large pieces instead of buying the individually wrapped singles. That said, the singles work just fine. I’ve made this recipe with Kraft Deli Deluxe American slices as well, with delicious results.

Sharp Cheddar: The perfect cheese to flavor a classic mac and cheese. The sharp variety adds a more pronounced cheddar flavor than a medium or mild cheddar will.

White Cheddar: Most people say there’s no difference in taste between yellow and white cheddar. I think that it actually depends on the brand. I noticed a distinct difference between yellow cheddar and say Cabot’s white cheddar. The Cabot cheddar tastes slightly sharper, tangier flavor, and is a bit drier in texture. I think it’s absolutely delicious.

Parmesan: Buy either a wedge of Parm and grate it yourself or buy it from the deli counter. Don’t use the stuff in the green jar.

Salt + Pepper

Dry Mustard: This adds a wonderful tangy sharpness that enhances the flavor of all the cheeses.

Green Onion: I add this to the top of the baked mac and cheese for a fresh garnish. It’s optional!

chick-fil-a mac and cheese in a casserole

Notes:

Room Temperature: For best results, have all your ingredients at room temperature before you begin the recipe.

Cheeses: According to Chick-Fil-A’s website, they use three kinds of cheese in their mac and cheese: Cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan. As you can see in my recipe, I’ve changed those up a bit. I love the cheese combo in this recipe. I think its taste is just like the restaurants, only maybe a little bit better!!!

Shred It At Home: This recipe comes out best when you shred your own cheese. The stuff that comes pre-shredded in a bag is coated with cellulose and because of that, it won’t melt as creamy.

Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead

Can You Freeze This? Since this pasta recipe has so much dairy in it, I don’t like to freeze it.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the recipe, cook the pasta, prepare the cheese sauce, and combine the two then pour it into a prepared baking dish, then toss it in the fridge until you need it.

Food Safety: Follow the FDA’s advice to observe the 2-hour rule for serving, just to be on the safe side. If you’d like more info on food safety check out this link.

ladle scooped a portion of mac and cheese chick fil a casserole

What To Serve With Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese

Simple green salad dressed with my super easy and amazingly delish balsamic vinaigrette, or Mediterranean salad, alongside my copycat Olive Garden bread sticks, or super yummy garlic bread! Roasted broccoli also makes a great accompaniment as well, and even the kids’ love broccoli cooked like this!

How to Make Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese