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Homemade baked popeyes mac and cheese​ with golden crust fresh out of the oven on a wooden kitchen counter.

Popeyes Mac and Cheese

This copycat Popeyes mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy, baked to golden perfection, and packed with bold cheddar flavor. Made with real ingredients and customizable to your taste, it’s everything you love about the fast food favorite, only better and homemade!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course comfort food, dinner, lunch
Cuisine American, Fast Food Copycat, Southern
Servings 6 people
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Saucepan For making cheese sauce
  • 1 Whisk Helps keep the sauce smooth
  • 1 9x9 Baking Dish For oven baking
  • 1 Oven Bake to get bubbly, golden top

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Or cavatappi cooked al dente
  • 3 tbsp Butter Unsalted
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Room temperature
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Or mozzarella for creaminess
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Optional for extra flavor
  • 2 –3 slices American Cheese Or small cubes of Velveeta
  • to taste — Salt and Pepper
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder Optional
  • ½ tsp Paprika Optional or smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp Cream Cheese Optional for added creaminess

Instructions
 

  • Boil Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly until mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  • Melt Cheese: Reduce heat. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and American cheese until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Combine: Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce. Stir well to coat.
  • Bake: Pour into greased 9x9 baking dish. Top with extra cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until bubbly.
  • Broil (Optional): For a golden crust, broil on high for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely!
  • Rest and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Customize the cheese blend based on what you love, sharp cheddar and American are the must-haves.
  • Make ahead: Prepare fully up to baking, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for best texture.
Keyword baked mac and cheese, cheddar mac, copycat recipe, creamy mac and cheese, homemade fast food sides, Popeyes mac and cheese