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Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food to serve. It is loaded with flavor and this copycat recipe will be your go-to mac and cheese recipe.
![Mac and Cheese in a baking dish with a wooden spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-14.jpg)
Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe:
We love making Mac and Cheese as a side dish for many different meals. My kids love getting Cracker Barrel’s Mac and Cheese anytime we go, so I decided to make a copycat version.
This macaroni and cheese recipe is so delicious and is made with simple ingredients. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it the ultimate comfort food. If you are needing a simple side dish, make this mac and cheese recipe.
Mac n cheese is always a kid favorite, but making this recipe makes it everyone’s favorite. This side is perfect for a weeknight meal or to bring to your next holiday dinner. Make sure to also make this copycat Tiktok Mac and Cheese.
![Ingredients needed - macaroni, salt and pepper, salted butter, flour, milk, cheese](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB.jpg)
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese:
- Large Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
- Salt and Pepper
- Salted Butter
- All Purpose Flour
- Whole Milk
- Shredded Colby Cheese
How to Make Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese:
- Step 1 – Heat Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2 – Cook Pasta – Add 4 cups of water and the salt to a large pot. Bring to a medium over medium high heat. Stir in the pasta and cook the pasta to al dente and then drain.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-5.jpg)
- Step 3 – Create Roux – In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-2.jpg)
- Step 4 – Add Milk to thicken – Slowly whisk the milk into the roux whisking constantly. Continue to cook (whisking constantly) until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Step 5 – Stir in Cheese – Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese ½ cup at a time and stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-4.jpg)
- Step 6 – Stir in Pasta – Once the cheese is melted, stir in the cooked pasta.
- Step 7 – Pour into prepare baking dish – Pour the pasta into a baking dish or a cast iron pan.
- Step 8 – Bake – Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the edges of the pasta begin to brown.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-6.jpg)
- Step 9 – Serve and Enjoy – Remove from the oven. Let the Mac and cheese cool for 10-15 minutes. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy.
![Mac and Cheese in a baking dish with a wooden spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-9.jpg)
Tips for The Best Macaroni and Cheese:
- Cheese – Make sure to grate your own cheese to make sure that the cheese sauce is creamy and packed with flavor. Pre Shredded cheese has added ingredients.
- Baking Mac and Cheese – We recommend baking the mac and cheese after combining the ingredients. This allows the top to extra crispy with golden brown edges. You can bake in a baking dish or a cast iron skillet.
- Cooked Macaroni – Do not over cook the macaroni. You want it to cook right at al dente as it will cook more in the oven.
- Melting Cheese – When adding in the cheese, make sure to stir constantly. This prevents the mixture from burning in the sauce pan.
- Milk – We recommend using whole milk when making this recipe. It helps to keep the texture creamy.
![Mac and Cheese in a baking dish with a wooden spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-12.jpg)
Why Make a Roux for Mac and Cheese?
Making a roux for mac and cheese helps to make it have a thicker texture. It is a combination of flour and butter that are melted together. Then add in water, broth or milk to thicken the consistency to mix in the mac and cheese ingredients.
![Mac and Cheese in a baking dish with a wooden spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-10.jpg)
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese?
Mac and Cheese is a staple holiday meal but I also like making it throughout the year. It is delicious served as a side dish or you can add meat to make it a complete meal.
- Steak
- Pork Chops
- Meatloaf
- Grilled Chicken
- See What to serve with Mac and Cheese for more ideas
![Mac and Cheese in a baking dish](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-8.jpg)
Mac and Cheese Cracker Barrel Recipe Variations:
- Macaroni – When we make mac and cheese, we usually use elbow macaroni. But you can easily use other types of pasta.
- Cheese – Feel free to use other types of cheese in this recipe. Cracker Barrel only uses Colby cheese, but try Cheddar, Gruyere or Pepper Jack Cheese.
- Meat – For a complete meal idea, mix in some cooked meat. If you have leftover shredded chicken or diced add them to the mixture before baking.
- Vegetables – If you have leftover chopped vegetables, we like to sneak in a few to the mixture. Bell peppers, onions, or chopped broccoli are great options.
![Mac and Cheese in a white bowl](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-16.jpg)
How to Store Leftovers:
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. We like to store in individual containers to easily reheat for lunch the next day.
When ready to reheat, you can reheat in the microwave or in a sauce pan on the stovetop.
![Mac and Cheese in a white bowl](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-15.jpg)
Print Recipe for Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese:
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-_-Cheese-200-300-KB-14-1.jpg)
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Large Elbow Macaroni uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Salted Butter
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 2 1/2 cup Shredded Colby Cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add 4 cups of water and the salt to a large pot. Bring to a medium over medium high heat. Stir in the pasta and cook the pasta to al dente and then drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk the milk into the roux whisking constantly. Continue to cook (whisking constantly) until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese ½ cup at a time and stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the cooked pasta.
- Pour the pasta into a baking dish or a cast iron pan.
- Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the edges of the pasta begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven. Let the Mac and cheese cool for 10-15 minutes. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Copycat Cracker Barrel Recipes:
- Cracker Barrel Pancakes
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Roast Beef Cracker Barrel Recipe
- Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
![Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food to serve. It is loaded with flavor and this copycat recipe is a family favorite. Mac n cheese is always a kid favorite, but making this recipe makes it everyone's favorite. This side is perfect for a weeknight meal or to bring to your next holiday dinner. #eatingonadime #crackerbarrelmacandcheese #crackerbarrelcopycatrecipes #macandcheese](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cracker-Barrel-Mac-and-Cheese-3.jpg)