Description
This Chick Fil A-style mac and cheese recipe recreates the creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite with a tender, flavorful pasta and a rich cheese sauce topped with a golden broiled crust. Perfect for cozy meals or entertaining, this mac and cheese delivers that famed tender texture and luscious cheese blend in every bite.
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)
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 20 minutes to achieve a tender texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Whisk in the flour, salt, and paprika, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth roux.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly add the whole milk in small increments, whisking thoroughly between additions until the sauce is smooth. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Temper Egg Yolk: In a small bowl, place the egg yolk. Add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the yolk and whisk immediately to temper it and prevent scrambling.
- Incorporate Egg Yolk: Add the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the pot and whisk until fully combined with the sauce.
- Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Tear the American cheese slices into pieces and add them to the pot. Then add half of the grated cheddar and all of the Italian blend cheese. Stir gently until all cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure even coating and thorough mixing.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Top and Broil: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Place the dish under the broiler just until the top becomes golden brown and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and deliciously cheesy.
Notes
- Cooking the macaroni longer than usual results in the tender texture characteristic of Chick Fil A mac and cheese.
- Tempering the egg yolk before adding it to the sauce prevents the egg from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Watch the broiler closely as the cheese topping can burn quickly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust salt according to your taste, especially if your cheese is salty.