Print

Crispy Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe with Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs

Chick-fil-A mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy homemade mac and cheese features a creamy, velvety cheese sauce inspired by Chick-fil-A, topped with crispy garlic herb breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly until smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is silky. Season with salt and white pepper.
  7. Pour drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  8. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the mac and cheese and smooth the top.
  9. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Press gently so it sticks.
  11. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy and the edges are bubbling.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and panko. For dairy-free, substitute oat milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheese shreds. Cook pasta just shy of al dente for best texture. Re-crisp leftovers under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Add extra cheddar under the breadcrumbs for a gooey layer.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, Chick-fil-A, comfort food, garlic herb breadcrumbs, baked mac and cheese, easy dinner, family recipe, creamy cheese sauce, potluck, southern

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-chick-fil-a-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-garlic-herb-breadcrumbs-easy-homemade-comfort-food/