Use What You Have
Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or other short pasta such as shells or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 10 ounces evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Italian Cheddar (such as Sartore MontAmor Cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyre cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
- 1/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar
- 2 (0.9 ounce) pieces Brie cheese, rind removed
- 2 tablespoons grated Italian Cheddar, such as Sartore MontAmor
- 2 tablespoons grated Gruyre cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste and no lumps remain.
- Slowly pour in evaporated milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup each of Italian Cheddar, Gruyre, Fontina, and sharp Cheddar. Remove rind from Brie and add the Brie to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese has melted, about 1 minute.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the cheese sauce. Mix to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons each of Italian Cheddar, Gruyre, Fontina, and sharp Cheddar. Sprinkle half of this cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Pour the remaining macaroni and cheese into the dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Cook's Note
The Brie cheese I used came in individual mini s, which made it easy to remove the rind and add to the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 258
- Total Fat: 16g (21% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (48% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 52mg (17% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 300mg (13% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g (6% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 13g (26% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 319mg (25% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 169mg (4% Daily Value)
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please consult a healthcare provider if you are following a medically restrictive diet.
The Story Behind Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese has long been a staple of American comfort food, tracing its origins back to the 18th century when Thomas Jefferson encountered it in Europe and introduced it to the United States. The Chick-fil-A version builds on this tradition, combining classic comfort with a fast-food twist. The chain popularized its creamy, indulgent mac and cheese as a side dish that complements its signature chicken sandwiches, offering a richer, cheesier take than standard recipes.
Regional Influences
Chick-fil-As mac and cheese reflects Southern culinary sensibilities. The South has a longstanding love for creamy, cheese-forward dishes, often featuring multiple cheeses for depth of flavor. While traditional Southern mac and cheese might use cheddar or American cheese alone, this recipe incorporates a blend of Italian Cheddar, Gruyre, Fontina, sharp Cheddar, and Brie. This combination produces a complex, velvety texture, which sets it apart from simpler regional variations.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Unlike classic stovetop macaroni and cheese or the boxed versions that rely on powdered cheese, the Chick-fil-A style emphasizes richness and texture. The inclusion of Brie, for example, adds a subtle creaminess that melts smoothly, while Gruyre and Fontina contribute nutty and slightly tangy notes. This five-cheese blend creates a layered flavor profile that distinguishes it from other fast-food mac and cheese options or homemade versions that typically use a single or double cheese combination.
Where Its Typically Served
This mac and cheese is most commonly found at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the United States, usually as a side to chicken meals. It is also popular at family gatherings and informal parties when made at home, thanks to its approachable yet indulgent flavor. In fast-casual settings, it serves as a comforting complement to grilled or fried chicken, but it can also stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Fun and Interesting Facts
- Chick-fil-A uses a secret cheese blend in its mac and cheese to maintain consistency across all locations.
- The recipes layering technique with half the cheese baked on top gives it a slightly caramelized crust, enhancing texture and visual appeal.
- Evaporated milk is used instead of regular milk, which intensifies the creaminess without making the dish overly heavy.
- Fans of the dish often experiment with adding spices or breadcrumbs for a personalized twist, although purists prefer the classic five-cheese flavor.
- Despite being a fast-food item, the mac and cheese has inspired numerous copycat recipes, reflecting its cult status among comfort-food enthusiasts.
FAQ about Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
Comments
Cynthia Jones
07/17/2024 09:56:09 AM
So good, I had to share it with friends.
audio version
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