There’s just something about Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese that hits all the right notes—extra creamy, rich with flavor, and perfectly cheesy with that golden top. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wished you could have it without the drive-thru line. Good news: now you can.
This homemade version tastes just like the original. Maybe even a little better (don’t tell Chick-fil-A). It’s ultra cheesy, made with a simple blend of pantry staples, and finished off under the broiler for that signature crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food on a cold day, this recipe is a keeper.
Why This Recipe Works
- So creamy, so cheesy – three types of cheese melt into a silky sauce
- Made from scratch – nothing fancy, just simple ingredients and classic flavor
- Feeds the whole family – makes a generous pan
- Tastes just like the real thing – without leaving your kitchen
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Paprika
- Whole milk
- Egg yolk
- American cheese
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Italian cheese blend
Tip: Try to use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded!
How to Make Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese
1. Boil the pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni for 20 minutes. Yep—20. It helps the pasta stay soft and creamy later, without soaking up all the sauce.
2. Make the cheese sauce
In a large pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika. Let that cook for a minute, then slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the egg yolk
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a spoonful of the hot milk mixture, then stir it back into the pot. This step gives the sauce that extra creamy finish.
4. Melt the cheese
Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheeses—tear up the American cheese and add it in with half of the cheddar and all of the Italian blend. Stir gently until smooth.
5. Combine
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Mix just until everything is coated—don’t overdo it.
6. Broil the top
Pour everything into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and pop it under the broiler. Watch it closely—it’ll brown fast!
Helpful Tips
- Use whole milk – It really makes a difference in the texture.
- Stick to the cheese blend – The combo of American, cheddar, and Italian blend gives that familiar Chick-fil-A flavor.
- Broil with care – Just a minute or two under the broiler is enough to give you that golden, bubbly crust.
What to Serve With It
This mac and cheese is great on its own, but here are a few tasty pairings:
- Crispy chicken strips or nuggets
- Waffle fries
- Simple green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Garlic bread
Storing & Reheating
- In the fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 8 slices American cheese
- 16 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter. Add flour, salt, and paprika. Whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. Let the sauce thicken over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a spoonful of hot sauce, then add it back to the pot.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the American cheese, half of the cheddar, and all of the Italian blend. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and gently stir to combine.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Broil just until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and straight-up delicious—just like the version you get with your Chick-fil-A order. But when you make it at home, it’s even better. You get the same cozy flavors without the drive-thru wait.
