Name: Tasty Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (freshly grated for best melt); 1/8 tsp paprika; 8 slices American cheese, torn; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold); 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp salt; 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (remaining half)

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Introduction

This Tasty Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food experience. With a luscious homemade cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly crust, it’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

A close-up of a white cup filled with two visible layers of macaroni and cheese: the bottom layer is creamy macaroni pasta with a soft texture in a pale yellow color, topped with a thick golden-yellow melted cheese layer that is browned and bubbly in spots, creating a crispy texture on top. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
1/8 tsp paprika
8 slices American cheese, torn
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 egg yolk
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 20 minutes until very tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and paprika, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute without browning.
Step 3: Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens. In a small bowl, temper the egg yolk by whisking in a spoonful of hot sauce, then combine it back into the pot.
Step 4: Lower heat to low and gradually add torn American cheese, half the grated cheddar, and all the Italian blend cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese evenly on top. Broil until the cheese topping is browned and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot for a creamy, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Tempering the egg yolk slowly helps keep the sauce smooth and silky.
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a mild spicy kick.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the milk.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to preserve the creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk while reheating helps maintain moisture.

How to Serve

A single red paper cup filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, showing one visible layer of soft, curved macaroni pasta covered with a thick, bright yellow cheese sauce. The top of the dish is golden-brown and bubbly, with some browned spots indicating it was baked or broiled. The cup sits on a red and white checkered tablecloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is very tender.

Is it necessary to use an egg yolk in the sauce?

The egg yolk enriches the sauce, giving it a custard-like creaminess, but if you prefer, you can omit it. The sauce will still be delicious but slightly less rich.