Popeyes Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Copycat Popeyes Mac and Cheese recipe! Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this homemade version tastes just like the real thing—maybe even better! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s the side dish that will steal the show at any meal.

Craving that rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy goodness of Popeyes Mac and Cheese? This copycat recipe brings you the same indulgent, baked-to-perfection dish right from your own kitchen!

Made with a blend of melty cheeses and a luscious, creamy sauce, this mac and cheese is pure comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main dish, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with every bite. Skip the takeout and make this irresistible homemade version today!

Why You Will Love Copycat Popeyes Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Smooth, velvety cheese sauce in every bite.
• Authentic Popeyes Flavor: Tastes just like the restaurant version.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• Baked to Perfection: Golden, bubbly, cheesy topping adds texture.
• Customizable Recipe: Add spices, meats, or extra cheese.
• Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
• No Takeout Needed: Enjoy Popeyes mac and cheese at home!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta choice for creamy mac and cheese. Substitute with shell pasta, cavatappi, or penne for a different texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the cheese sauce. Swap with margarine or olive oil for a lighter option.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce for a smooth, creamy texture. Use cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.
• Whole Milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cheese sauce. Substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess or use unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy cheese flavor. Swap with extra-sharp cheddar for more bite or mild cheddar for a softer taste.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds creaminess. Substitute with Colby Jack or mozzarella for a similar melt and texture.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creates the ultra-creamy, smooth texture of Popeyes mac and cheese. Use cream cheese or American cheese slices as a substitute for a similar consistency.
• Seasonings: Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, and Salt.

How To Make Popeyes Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

Step One: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step Two: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.

Step Three: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step Four: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cubes. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated.

Step Five: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the extra shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack on top. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, Popeyes-style mac and cheese!

Copycat Popeyes Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Use Whole Milk for Creaminess – For the richest, creamiest cheese sauce, stick with whole milk. Skim milk can make the sauce too thin, while cream will make it too heavy.
• Add Extra Cheese for a More Flavorful Dish – If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more cheddar or Velveeta for an even cheesier, more decadent mac and cheese.
• Broil Carefully – When broiling the mac and cheese, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the top. The broiler can brown the cheese quickly, so just a few minutes should do the trick.
• Customize Your Pasta – While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to swap in other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or cavatappi for a fun twist and a bit more texture.
• Make It Spicy – For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce. This will give your mac and cheese a spicy twist, similar to Popeyes’ signature flavors.
• Make It Ahead – You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply bake or broil it just before serving for a fresh, bubbly topping.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente. Overcooking the pasta can cause it to become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
• Add Bacon or Sausage – For a heartier dish, try adding crumbled cooked bacon or sausage to your mac and cheese before baking for a savory boost.

Storing

• Storing: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. For a crispy top, reheat in the oven under a broiler for a few minutes.

What To Serve With Popeyes Homestyle Mac And Cheese Recipe

Popeyes Homestyle Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside crispy Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe, Air Fryer Copycat Popeyes Cajun Flounder Sandwich or Air Fryer Popeyes Chicken Sandwich (Copycat).

For a lighter option, it also goes wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this mac and cheese will complement any meal with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Popeyes Homestyle Mac And Cheese Recipe Faqs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed or broil for a crispy top.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta provide a classic taste, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I make it spicier? To add more heat, you can stir in cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce for a spicy kick that enhances the flavor.

Can I use a different pasta shape? While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap it for other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or cavatappi. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid a mushy texture when combined with the cheese sauce.

More Copycat Popeyes Recipes

• Popeyes Delta Sauce Recipe
• Blackened Ranch (Popeye’s Copycat)
• Copycat Popeyes Cajun Fries
• Copycat Popeye’s Seafood Po’Boy Recipe
• Air Fryer Copycat Popeyes Cajun Flounder Sandwich
• Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe
• Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce
• Air Fryer Popeyes Chicken Sandwich (Copycat)

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