Description

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni dish inspired by Chick-fil-A’s famous side—loaded with a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni – cooked just shy of al dente

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

2 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1/2 cup Romano cheese, freshly grated

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 cup extra cheddar blend for topping

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 6–7 minutes until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Gradually whisk in milk, starting with a splash at a time to avoid lumps. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.

4. Turn off heat. Add cheeses in batches, stirring until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a greased 9×13 dish. Top with extra cheese.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Always shred your own cheese—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy.

Turn off the heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming oily or clumpy.

Letting the mac and cheese rest after baking helps the sauce set for creamier servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American