Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a colder dish.

Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy?

Grainy sauce usually happens when the cheese is added to a mixture that's too hot or when the sauce boils after adding cheese. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir constantly until melted. Using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents) can also cause graininess.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

While you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, I don't recommend it for this particular version. The stovetop-to-oven method creates that perfect texture that makes this recipe special. Slow cookers tend to make mac and cheese softer and sometimes oilier.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, and you'll still get that wonderful depth of flavor!

Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups dry elbow pasta; 2 Tablespoons butter; 2 Tablespoons flour; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

This homemade Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is pure comfort in a dish – creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying! My version of this beloved restaurant classic delivers that perfect balance of velvety cheese sauce and tender pasta, all baked to golden perfection. In just 30 minutes, you can skip the restaurant wait and enjoy this iconic Southern comfort food right at your kitchen table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: Capture that distinctive Cracker Barrel flavor without leaving your house – it’s spot-on!
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy needed here – just basic pantry staples transform into something magical.
Family Favorite: This is one of those recipes that pleases everyone from picky toddlers to discerning adults – the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Perfect Texture: The combination of stovetop preparation and quick oven bake creates that ideal balance of creamy interior with a slightly golden top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elbow Pasta: The classic choice for mac and cheese – its curved shape holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
Butter: Creates the base for our roux, adding richness and helping thicken the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Works with butter to form a roux, the thickening agent that gives our sauce body without graininess.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor that takes this mac and cheese beyond the basic versions.
Heavy Cream: Delivers that luxurious mouthfeel that makes restaurant mac and cheese so irresistible.
Colby Cheese: The star of the show! Its mild, creamy character melts beautifully and provides that signature flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming.
Olive Oil: Just a touch keeps your pasta from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some delicious ways to customize:

Cheese Swaps: Try white cheddar for tanginess, Havarti for extra creaminess, or a mix with Parmesan for depth.
Add-Ins: Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, roasted broccoli florets, or caramelized onions.
Topping Upgrades: Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter before baking, or add a layer of extra cheese on top.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
Lighter Version: Substitute milk for the heavy cream and reduce cheese by 1/2 cup for a less indulgent (but still delicious) option.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your elbow pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then toss with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you make your cheese sauce.

Step 2: Preheat and Start the Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it’s bubbling but not browning.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Whisk the flour into the melted butter until completely smooth with no lumps. Cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. This roux is the foundation of your cheese sauce, so take your time here.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once smooth, add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture is well combined and starting to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the pan from heat and add the shredded Colby cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted completely and your sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Add your cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Transfer this mixture to a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the top is just beginning to turn golden.

Step 7: Serve

Pull the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the sauce set up to the perfect consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra minute to grate fresh cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente or even slightly undercooked pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Keep Whisking: The key to lump-free sauce is continuous whisking, especially when adding liquids to the roux.
Temperature Matters: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming stringy.
Rest Before Serving: Giving the mac and cheese a few minutes to rest after baking allows the sauce to thicken to that perfect, clingy consistency.

How to Serve

This rich, creamy mac and cheese deserves to be the star of your meal, but it plays well with others too:

Main Course Pairing:

Serve alongside fried chicken, meatloaf, or BBQ for a true Southern-inspired meal that’ll transport you straight to Cracker Barrel.

Veggie Sides:

Balance the richness with green beans, collard greens, or a crisp side salad with vinaigrette.

Bread Companions:

Nothing beats warm corn bread or flaky biscuits for sopping up extra cheese sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled.

Freezing

This mac and cheese freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to revive the creamy texture. For quicker results, microwave portions with a tablespoon of milk, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a colder dish.
Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy?

Grainy sauce usually happens when the cheese is added to a mixture that’s too hot or when the sauce boils after adding cheese. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir constantly until melted. Using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents) can also cause graininess.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

While you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, I don’t recommend it for this particular version. The stovetop-to-oven method creates that perfect texture that makes this recipe special. Slow cookers tend to make mac and cheese softer and sometimes oilier.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll still get that wonderful depth of flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe brings the comfort of the iconic restaurant straight to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and simple, straightforward preparation, it’s bound to become a regular request in your household. Whether served as a hearty side dish or the main attraction, this mac and cheese delivers that nostalgic taste that makes you feel right at home.