Chick-fil-A-Style Mac and Cheese

This version replaces industrial seed oils and processed cheese with grass-fed butter and artisanal cheeses for a richer, more nutrient-dense experience.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz organic whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup organic evaporated milk
  • 2 cups shredded organic sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded organic Gruyère cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated organic Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Melt the grass-fed butter and avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in the heavy cream, evaporated milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally until it begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan (or Romano) one handful at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is silky and smooth.
  6. Fold in the cooked pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water if a thinner consistency is desired.
  7. Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2 minutes for a golden topping.

FAQ

Can I use coconut oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can substitute equal parts coconut oil for the avocado oil if preferred. Just ensure it's organic and doesn't have any additives.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, this recipe contains both cheddar and Gruyère cheese. If you're seeking a dairy-free version, consider using non-dairy substitutes like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese.

How can I make this vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the cheeses with vegan alternatives such as nutritional yeast or coconut-based shredded cheese. You might also want to add some vegan butter or oil for a richer flavor profile.

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