How to Make Chick-fil-A Macaroni and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chick-fil-A’s macaroni and cheese is a beloved menu item that has captured the hearts of many. The creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a staple on the Chick-fil-A menu, and for good reason. It’s a comforting, indulgent treat that is perfect for any time of day. But what if you want to make it at home? The good news is that it’s easier than you think! With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a Chick-fil-A-style macaroni and cheese that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese at home.
- Macaroni: You’ll need a pound of macaroni, preferably a medium-sized elbow macaroni.
- Butter: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- All-purpose flour: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- Milk: You’ll need 2 cups of whole milk.
- Cheddar cheese: You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: You’ll need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Salt: You’ll need a pinch of salt.
- Black pepper: You’ll need a few grinds of black pepper.
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
The first step in making Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese is to cook the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the macaroni is cooking, you can start making the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it into the butter to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Once the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to combine it with the cooked macaroni. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
The final step is to add the toppings. You can customize your macaroni and cheese with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped scallions. For a classic Chick-fil-A-style macaroni and cheese, you can add some crispy breadcrumbs on top.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese at home:
- Use high-quality cheese: The key to a great macaroni and cheese is using high-quality cheese. Look for sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Overcooking the macaroni can make it mushy and unappetizing.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your macaroni and cheese, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Try different types of pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional in macaroni and cheese, you can also try using other types of pasta, such as shells or cavatappi.
Conclusion
Making Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese at home is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. By following these steps and tips, you can make a delicious Chick-fil-A-style macaroni and cheese that’s perfect for any time of day.
Chick-fil-A Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Here is the complete recipe for Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it into the butter to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Season the macaroni and cheese with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for Chick-fil-A macaroni and cheese:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.