Description
A creamy and cheesy homemade version of the beloved Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese, featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all brought together with a smooth roux-based cheese sauce. Optionally baked to achieve a golden, bubbly crust perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Be patient to avoid lumps.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with cheesy goodness.
- Optional Baking: For a crispy, golden top, transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream when adding milk.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting results instead of pre-shredded varieties.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled easily for larger groups.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, cheesy macaroni, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese recipe
