Why do I need to cook the pasta for 20 minutes? Isn't that overcooked?

The extended cooking time is intentional and crucial for this recipe! It creates the specific soft, tender texture that matches Chick-fil-A's version. The pasta absorbs more water, which allows it to better soak up the cheese sauce, resulting in that signature creamy consistency throughout.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it myself?

While it's more convenient, I strongly recommend against pre-shredded cheese for this recipe. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly, resulting in a grainy texture. Taking the extra few minutes to grate your own cheese makes a world of difference in creating that smooth, velvety sauce.

Why is the egg yolk necessary?

The egg yolk adds richness, creaminess, and a silky texture that's hard to achieve otherwise. It's a traditional ingredient in many southern-style mac and cheese recipes and helps bind the sauce while adding a subtle depth of flavor. Make sure to temper it properly to avoid scrambling!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of broiling, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Finish with the broiling step just before serving for that fresh-made taste.

Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground paprika; 2 cups whole milk; 1 egg yolk; 8 slices American cheese; 16 ounces freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded

This incredibly decadent Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese brings the famous restaurant side dish right to your kitchen! With its velvety cheese sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and that signature golden-brown crust, this recipe captures the exact creamy, cheesy goodness that makes the original so irresistible. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing comfort food is easier to make than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: This mac and cheese tastes remarkably like the real thing from Chick-fil-A, but you can enjoy it anytime—even on Sundays!
Foolproof Technique: The unusual 20-minute pasta cooking time might surprise you, but it’s the secret to getting that perfect, tender texture that blends beautifully with the rich cheese sauce.
Perfect Cheese Blend: The combination of sharp cheddar, American cheese, and Italian blend creates that signature flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Family-Sized Portion: This generous recipe makes enough to feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers for the week ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, the extended cooking time allows it to absorb more flavor and achieve that perfect Chick-fil-A texture.
Butter: Forms the base of your roux, lending richness and helping to create a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with the butter to create a roux that thickens your sauce to the perfect consistency.
Salt and Paprika: These simple seasonings enhance the flavor without overwhelming the cheese – the paprika adds that subtle warmth that makes the dish special.
Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and richness that simply can’t be achieved with lower-fat alternatives – don’t substitute!
Egg Yolk: The secret ingredient that gives the sauce extra richness and a velvety texture.
American Cheese: Provides that smooth melting quality and creamy texture that makes restaurant mac and cheese so irresistible.
Extra Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated from a block (never pre-shredded!), this provides the bold, tangy flavor that defines this dish.
Italian Blend Cheese: Adds complexity and dimension to the flavor profile with its mix of cheeses.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Chick-fil-A mac and cheese experience? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.
Bacon Addition: Crumble some crispy bacon on top before broiling for a smoky, savory element.
Breadcrumb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before broiling for extra crunch.
Veggie Boost: Fold in some finely chopped steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and boil for a full 20 minutes. Yes, this is much longer than typical pasta cooking times, but it’s crucial for achieving that specific Chick-fil-A texture. Drain when done and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Roux

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. This forms the base of your cheese sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously between additions to prevent lumps. Once all milk is incorporated, whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolk

Place the egg yolk in a small bowl. Add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the yolk and immediately whisk together. This prevents the egg from cooking too quickly. Add this tempered yolk mixture back to the pot, whisking to incorporate.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Tear the American cheese slices into pieces and add to the pot along with half of the shredded cheddar and all of the Italian blend. Stir gently until all cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, gently folding until everything is well combined and every pasta piece is coated.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the top in an even layer.

Step 8: Broil to Perfection

Place under the broiler until the cheese is just browned and bubbling. Watch it carefully—it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pasta Cooking Time: The 20-minute cooking time isn’t a mistake! This extended boil makes the pasta extra tender and helps it better absorb the cheese sauce.
Cheese Grating: Always grate your cheese fresh from blocks. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer until it reaches a creamy, coating consistency.
Broiling Watchfulness: Don’t walk away during the broiling step! Stand by your oven with the door slightly ajar and watch as the cheese browns to catch it at the perfect moment.

How to Serve

This mac and cheese is spectacular as both a main dish and a side. Here are some serving suggestions:

Main Course Pairing:

Serve a generous portion alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.

Side Dish Excellence:

Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fried chicken tenders, or a juicy burger for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Potluck Star:

Take this to your next gathering in a slow cooker set to warm—it’ll be the first dish to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

This mac and cheese freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before the final broiling step.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers: Add a splash of milk, then reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes.

For frozen mac and cheese: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. If reheating from frozen, bake covered at 350°F for about 1 hour, then uncover for the last 10 minutes.

FAQs

Why do I need to cook the pasta for 20 minutes? Isn’t that overcooked?

The extended cooking time is intentional and crucial for this recipe! It creates the specific soft, tender texture that matches Chick-fil-A’s version. The pasta absorbs more water, which allows it to better soak up the cheese sauce, resulting in that signature creamy consistency throughout.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it myself?

While it’s more convenient, I strongly recommend against pre-shredded cheese for this recipe. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly, resulting in a grainy texture. Taking the extra few minutes to grate your own cheese makes a world of difference in creating that smooth, velvety sauce.
Why is the egg yolk necessary?

The egg yolk adds richness, creaminess, and a silky texture that’s hard to achieve otherwise. It’s a traditional ingredient in many southern-style mac and cheese recipes and helps bind the sauce while adding a subtle depth of flavor. Make sure to temper it properly to avoid scrambling!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of broiling, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Finish with the broiling step just before serving for that fresh-made taste.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese brings that beloved restaurant flavor right to your table, without having to leave home or deal with long drive-thru lines. The combination of cheeses, that perfectly tender pasta, and the gloriously golden top creates a mac and cheese experience that might just be better than the original! Whether you’re serving it as a comforting family dinner or bringing it to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and discover your new favorite mac and cheese!