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Chick-fil-A-Inspired Baked Cheese-Blend Mac
Melissa Hart

Chick-fil-A-Inspired Baked Cheese-Blend Mac

A layered cheddar, American, Parmesan and Romano blend distinguishes this Chick-fil-A-inspired mac, along with a browned cheese lid over a very creamy center. The stovetop sauce stays loose before the broiler. That short high-heat finish colors the top without drying the elbow pasta below.
Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz American cheese chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar divided
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Romano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Boil the macaroni 1 minute short of tender, reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Melt butter over medium-low heat, whisk in flour for 1 minute and gradually whisk in evaporated milk and whole milk.
  3. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, remove from heat and melt in American, 1 cup cheddar, Parmesan, Romano and salt.
  4. Fold in macaroni, adding pasta water until the sauce looks slightly loose, and transfer to a broiler-safe dish.
  5. Top with remaining cheddar and broil 2 to 4 minutes until browned in scattered spots.