Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
If you’re craving that classic, creamy, and cheesy comfort food from Cracker Barrel, this homemade Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe will hit the spot! It’s rich, velvety, and baked to golden perfection, making it the perfect side dish or main course. With tender elbow macaroni coated in a delicious cheese sauce made from scratch, this recipe has everything you love about Cracker Barrel’s mac and cheese without leaving home.
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
This easy recipe uses basic ingredients like Colby Jack cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of chicken stock to create a smooth and flavorful cheese sauce. Starting with a simple roux (a butter and flour mixture), you’ll build layers of flavor before adding in the cheese and perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s a foolproof recipe that even beginners will find simple to follow.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or as a cozy weeknight meal, this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It only takes about 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you just enough time to set the table and get ready to enjoy that irresistible bubbly, golden top.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe for its creamy, cheesy goodness and comforting, homemade flavor. It’s rich, with a perfectly smooth cheese sauce that clings to every bite of tender elbow macaroni, giving you that indulgent, restaurant-quality taste right at home. Plus, the Colby Jack cheese adds a slight sharpness that balances beautifully with the creamy base, making each bite irresistible.
This recipe is also super simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients—just basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a bubbling, golden dish of mac and cheese in no time.
And if you’re feeding a crowd, this mac and cheese is perfect for gatherings and holiday meals. It’s a side dish that everyone loves, and it pairs perfectly with everything from roast chicken to BBQ. This Cracker Barrel mac and cheese is bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Cups Chicken Stock or Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 2 ½ Cups Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- 16 Ounces Elbow Macaroni, Cooked Al Dente
- Fresh Parsley, For Garnish
How to Make Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃)
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the shredded cheese to the pot and stir until melted and well combined.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir until the noodles are coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to soften when baked. This helps avoid mushy pasta and gives the perfect texture.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce. For the creamiest result, shred your cheese just before adding it to the sauce.
- Don’t Overheat the Sauce: After adding the cheese, keep the heat low and stir until just melted. Overheating can cause the cheese sauce to become grainy, so keep an eye on it for the smoothest finish.
- Customize the Flavor: For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of mustard powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These add depth without overpowering the classic cheesy taste.
- Add a Crispy Topping (Optional): For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. Drizzle with a little melted butter for a crispy, golden topping.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Ready to make Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese at home? Well, now you can with this easy-to-make copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and cheese recipe. It is rich and creamy with a slight kick thanks to the black pepper and the colby jack cheese as a delicious tangy flavor that you will love. With just 30 minutes you will be enjoying this favorite dish right at home.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Cups Chicken Stock or Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 2 ½ Cups Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- 16 Ounces Elbow Macaroni, Cooked Al Dente
- Fresh Parsley, For Garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃)
- In a large pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the shredded cheese to the pot and stir until melted and well combined.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir until the noodles are coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 504Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 503mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 16g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
