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

Description

Dive into pure comfort with this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe! This rich and creamy dish is made with a luscious cheese sauce featuring American cheese, sharp cheddar, and an Italian blend, perfectly coating tender elbow macaroni. Finished under the broiler for that classic golden-brown top, this mac and cheese recipe brings all the flavors of Chick-Fil-A right to your kitchen. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 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

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Boil the pasta for 20 minutes (yes, 20 minutes is correct). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, constantly stirring to avoid lumps.
Incorporate Milk Into the Sauce Base
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Ensure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. After all the milk is added, whisk the sauce for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Temper the Egg Yolk
In a small bowl, place the egg yolk. Add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk and whisk quickly to temper it. Then, add the tempered egg yolk mixture into the cheese sauce pot and whisk thoroughly to combine.
Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and begin incorporating the cheese. Tear the American cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the pot. Then, mix in half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese along with all of the Italian blend cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
Combine the Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
Broil to Perfection
Place the dish under the broiler in your oven. Broil the mac and cheese until the top becomes golden and slightly browned. Make sure to watch it closely as it can burn quickly.
Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the dish from the oven and serve this delicious mac and cheese while it’s still hot and gooey.

Notes

This recipe yields a generous batch; feel free to halve it if needed.
Use whole milk for best results – substitutions may affect consistency and flavor.
Always shred cheese fresh from a block for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
If you’d like to freeze this dish, ensure it cools completely, portion it, and store it in an airtight container.
Stick to the specified cheeses to maintain the authentic Chick-Fil-A flavor.
The 20-minute pasta cooking time ensures the right texture for this recipe, so don’t skip or undercook!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 430kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 80mg