This copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe is spot on close to the real deal. One of the things that make Cracker Barrel food so good is the down home simplicity that makes up their food. This recipe is super simple.

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When it comes to picking Thanksgiving recipes, especially Thanksgiving sides, this is one of my go-to recipes for that.

It's quick, easy and everyone loves mac and cheese right?

Anyone that has eaten a Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese dinner will tell you, it's the best. I think the simplicity of it, the cheese they use, the no frills approach is what makes it best and it has the best creamy sauce.

What makes this recipe so yummy

• This copycat recipe uses pantry staple ingredients. Super no fuss. If you don't have in your pantry.... any grocery stores will have.
• It's fast. You can get this together in 10-15 minutes for a quick family dinner.
• There's no artificial flavors or ingredients in this homemade mac.
• It'll easily become one of your favorite comfort foods. A favorite family meal.
• It truly makes a satisfying dinner.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni
• Colby Cheese
• All Purpose Flour
• Unsalted Butter
• Nutmeg
• Whole Milk
• Sea Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper
• Parsley (only as optional garnish)

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: In a medium saucepan cook the elbow macaroni in salted water per the package instructions - to al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Step 2: While the noodles are cooking add the butter to a medium/large cast iron skillet. Melt butter then add the flour. Stir for a minute or two with a whisk to cook the flour.
• Step 3: Slowly pour in the heated milk, a little at a time while continuously stirring.
• Step 4: Add 2 cups of the grated cheese to the mixture and stir until totally melted. Add the seasoning blend and stir again.
• Step 5: Combine macaroni noodles and slowly fold into the sauce.
• Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top of the creamy mac and place under a hot broiler for a minute or two until nicely browned.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Wheat Flour - instead of all purpose you could thicken using a wheat flour.
• Ground Mustard - try a touch of ground mustard for added flavor.
• Canola Oil - If you can't use butter, you could start off the roux with a little canola oil.
• Skim Milk - Use skimmed milk if you don't have whole milk.
• Type of cheese - Cracker Barrel uses Colby cheese specifically. This can be your preference though. Try to avoid the pre-shredded cheese though as a corn starch like product is usually added to keep from clumping and it can affect your sauce. Using a more aged cheese, like sharp cheddar, will add a little bold sharpness. A sharp white cheddar cheese perhaps.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth - use this to cook the noodles, or in place of some of the milk.
• Garlic Powder - add some garlic powder for another flavor profile.
• Bread Crumbs - sprinkle some bread crumbs on top for a little added texture.
• Onions - some diced onions wouldn't be bad in this dish.
• Heavy Cream - instead of the whole milk for a more creamy texture.
• Bacon - add some cooked chopped bacon for a great flavor and texture.

Necessary gear: Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Whenever I make a macaroni and cheese I always like to use my cast iron skillet, main reason is I can throw it in the oven too, or under the broiler. It's the best way to provide nice even heat.

I have a couple of affiliate links for the exact type of equipment with product information, I use in the recipe card below.

You could also bake this in a casserole dish, transferring the sauce once cooked to a casserole dish to finish off in the oven. It will be a Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese oven baked recipe.

Other great side dishes I think you'll love

• Cheese Grits - delicious southern style cheesy grits are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Cajun Cornbread - this cornbread recipe is so surprisingly easy, another skillet recipe.
• Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf - A very festive and fun Thanksgiving side dish.
• Another satisfying dinner and Copycat Cracker Barrel Recipe - Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice.
• Baked Oyster Dressing - This goes great as another possible Thanksgiving side dish.
• Cracker Barrel Fried Apples - another great side from this famous restaurant.
• Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole - perfection in a casserole dish. Sweet Potato Casserole made just like Cracker Barrel does it.

How to store leftovers

This Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe is easy to store, keep in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for best results.

You can successfully freeze this mac and cheese, just store in a freezer safe container, make sure it's labeled then freeze for up to 6 months.

Mel's kitchen notes

If you have leftovers from this family meal and want to make something with it Air Fryer Mac and Cheese bites (recipe coming) are the perfect and fun choice.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

If you’ve tried this Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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