Copycat Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe

This copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese is every bit as creamy, decadent, and crave-worthy as the original. A blend of three cheeses melts into a silky, ultra–gooey sauce that coats every noodle in pure comfort. I’ve recreated plenty of famous mac and cheese recipes, including Tini’s Mac and Cheese and Popeyes Mac and Cheese, so trust me when I say this Chick-fil-A version is absolutely worth making at home.

Why I Love This Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

I love mac and cheese year-round, but I think it hits different in November. I needed something to bring to a Friendsgiving, and I had recently gotten Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese. I thought it was one of the best mac and cheeses I have gotten out, so I figured, why not recreate it for the Friendsgiving?

I tested a few different cheese combinations until I landed on the perfect blend: sharp cheddar for flavor, mild cheddar for creaminess, and American cheese for that smooth, velvety texture Chick-fil-A is known for. To take it to the next level, I added extra cheese on top and baked it just long enough to get that signature golden, bubbly crust. It came out perfect and based on the empty dish at the end of the night, my friends agreed.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. Even if you’ve never made homemade mac and cheese before, this one is just as easy as the boxed kind. You follow a few straightforward steps, and the result is a restaurant-quality mac and cheese that tastes better than anything you can order through a drive-thru.

Ingredients You'll Need

One of my favorite things about this copycat mac and cheese recipe is that it's made entirely with kitchen/pantry staples. In fact, there's a good chance you already have everything you need to make it on hand!

Anyway, here's what you'll need for the mac & cheese:

• 16 oz. elbow macaroni noodles
• ⅔ cup milk
• 2oz. American cheese, chopped
• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• ⅔ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

And to top it off:

• ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sprinkle of parmesan cheese and romano cheese (optional)

You can basically use every single one of these ingredients to make this old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe as well. So if you end up with some extra ingredients after you make this recipe, put them to good use and give that one a try next.

Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions

• Cheese: For the closest Chick-fil-A-style flavor and texture, I recommend sticking with the cheeses listed in the recipe. The combination of American cheese and cheddar gives the sauce that smooth, creamy consistency. If needed, you can substitute Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar.
• American cheese: I wouldn’t replace all of the American cheese with a harder cheese. It helps keep the sauce extra smooth and creamy, so I recommend keeping at least some of it in the recipe.
• Parmesan or Romano: You can add a little Parmesan or Romano if you want a sharper, saltier flavor. Just keep in mind that this will make the mac and cheese taste a little different from the Chick-fil-A version.
• Breadcrumb topping: For some crunch, top the mac and cheese with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or seasoned breadcrumbs before baking. I usually leave this off when I want the closest copycat since Chick-fil-A’s version has a creamy browned top without breadcrumbs.
• Add-ins: Crumbled bacon, chopped chives, roasted garlic, or diced jalapeños are all easy additions if you want to change things up.
• Making a larger batch: This recipe uses 16 ounces of dry macaroni. If you want to make it creamier, increase the sauce and cheese ingredients.

How To Make Chick-fil-A Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Cook The Noodles

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, as soon as it starts boiling, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.

Once your pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it and transfer it to a baking dish. Next, you'll want to add the butter and gently stir the cooked pasta around until the butter melts. 

Step 2: Make The Cheese Sauce

Up next, you're going to make the deliciously creamy and cheesy sauce. To do this, take out a saucepot, add the milk to it, and heat it over medium heat. Then, once the milk is warm, you can add the American cheese and as much salt as you want to the pot.

Now you'll want to let it cook until the cheese has fully melted. As soon as it melts, you can add the mild and sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese mixture melts together to make the rich sauce.

Step 3: Bake The Mac And Cheese

Once your cheese sauce is nice and creamy and melted, pour it over the pasta in the baking dish.

Then, to finish it off, top with the remaining shredded cheese and bake the macaroni and cheese for about 10 minutes. Oh, and if you want a more classic Chick-fil-A flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan and Romano cheese on top before you do.

Anyway, you'll know the mac and cheese is done when the top layer of cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy it!

Expert Tips for The Best Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

• Use block cheese and grate it fresh. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating cheddar (both sharp and mild) straight from the block is the #1 way to get that silky, velvety Chick-fil-A texture. American cheese also melts cleaner when chopped from deli slices instead of pre-wrapped singles.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Boil the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente (usually 1 minute less than the box says). Since the pasta bakes briefly with the cheese sauce, slightly undercooking keeps the noodles from becoming mushy.
• Melt the American cheese fully before adding the cheddar. American cheese acts as an emulsifier, creating the smooth base Chick-fil-A is known for. Once this melts into the milk, the cheddar will melt seamlessly without curdling or separating.
• Low and slow heat prevents grainy sauce. Cheese melts beautifully over low heat. If the burner is too hot, cheddar can break and turn gritty. Keep the sauce at medium-low and stir constantly once the cheese goes in.
• Bake just until the top is golden. Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese has a signature browned top without overbaking the sauce underneath. About 10 minutes in a 400°F oven is perfect. If you want a deeper crust, broil for 1–2 minutes—but watch closely.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash more milk or a pat of butter. If you prefer saucier mac and cheese (or if it thickens as it sits), whisk in a tablespoon of milk or butter before serving. It restores the ultra-creamy consistency.
• Serve immediately for the best texture. This mac and cheese is at peak creaminess right after baking, when the cheese is molten and the top is perfectly browned.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese FAQS

What cheeses does Chick-fil-A use in their mac and cheese?

Chick-fil-A uses a blend of cheeses, most notably sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and American cheese. In the baked “topped” version, they also include a three-cheese blend for the browned crust. Using these same cheeses at home is the key to achieving the signature Chick-fil-A flavor and texture.

Why is my mac and cheese grainy?

Graininess happens when cheese is heated too quickly or at too high of a temperature. American cheese helps stabilize the sauce, but if the cheddar is added to boiling milk or high heat, it can curdle. Keeping the sauce at medium-low heat and stirring constantly prevents this. Freshly grated cheese also melts more smoothly than bagged shredded cheese.

Can I make Chick-fil-A mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If you want to prep early, cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce separately. Combine them right before baking. You can also assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready—just add 5–7 extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, or warm in the microwave in short increments, stirring between each burst to keep it creamy.

Can I freeze Chick-fil-A mac and cheese?

You can, but freezing can slightly alter the texture because dairy sauces tend to separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before baking for best results. Thaw overnight and bake until the center is hot and the top is melted and golden.

How do I reheat mac and cheese?

To reheat the mac and cheese, I suggest putting it back in a baking dish and reheating it at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, if you want to reheat a single serving, you can microwave it in 20-second intervals until it's warmed through. For me, that usually takes about a minute.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. This is one of the easiest mac and cheese recipes to scale. Double all ingredients and bake in a larger 9×13 or even a deeper casserole dish. Add an extra 3–5 minutes to the bake time if your dish is deeper than usual.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by simply using gluten-free elbow macaroni. The cheeses and sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your cheese labels to ensure no wheat-based additives are used.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese! As delicious as Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese is, I think this homemade version is even better. It's just so fresh, so rich, so creamy, and so cheesy, it's hard not to fall in love with it. Whenever my family craves homemade mac and cheese, this is one of our go-to recipes and never disappoints. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this mac and cheese recipe as much as I do. As always, if you give this recipe a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it went!

More Copycat Recipes to Try Next

If you enjoyed this recipe for Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese, we have a ton of other copycat recipes on the blog you can try out next!

Here are some of my favorites:

• Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup
• Zaxby's chicken fingers
• Olive Garden chicken alfredo
• Chipotle cilantro lime rice
• Chipotle chicken
• Chick-fil-A A nuggets
• Chick-fil-A sauce
• Cracker Barrel meatloaf 

Oh, and for even more deliciousness, be sure to follow us on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. We post new recipes on them almost every day!