When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a bubbling, cheesy dish of mac and cheese. And if you’ve ever had Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, you know exactly what we’re talking about. It’s rich, creamy, and baked to golden perfection—the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.

Now you can bring that same down-home goodness right to your own kitchen! This homemade Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese copycat recipe is easy to make, packed with cheesy flavor, and perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight treat.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this restaurant classic at home—no rocking chairs or country store needed. 🍽️✨

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

• 🧀 Super creamy and cheesy with no complicated steps
• 🍴 Baked to golden, bubbly perfection just like at the restaurant
• 🕒 Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes
• 🥘 Made with simple pantry ingredients
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

What Makes Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Special?

Cracker Barrel’s mac and cheese is known for its ultra-creamy interior and slightly crispy golden edges.
It’s not overly saucy or complicated—it’s all about that rich cheddar flavor with a nostalgic, homemade feel.

This copycat version captures that magic by focusing on:

• A simple, silky cheese sauce
• Sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor
• Baked until just golden, but still creamy inside

It’s not trying to be fancy—it’s real, honest comfort food. ❤️

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your elbow macaroni or shells and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite but not overcooked.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a golden, bubbly roux.

Gradually whisk in the warm milk (and cream, if using).
Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece.

Pour the mac and cheese into a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with a little extra cheddar or Parmesan cheese if you like a cheesy, golden crust!

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, just until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden.

Family Tip: Don’t overbake! Cracker Barrel’s mac and cheese stays creamy, not dry.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates while it’s hot and gooey.
Pair it with fried chicken, pork chops, green beans, or just enjoy it as a hearty main dish.

Welcome to comfort food heaven!

Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents that make the sauce less smooth.
• Use whole milk and cream: For that classic rich texture Cracker Barrel is famous for.
• Season the sauce: A pinch of dry mustard or a dash of hot sauce can really wake up the cheese flavor.
• Don’t overbake: You’re aiming for golden and melty—not dry and crunchy.

Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on this Cracker Barrel classic? Here are a few tasty ideas:

• Smoky Mac: Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced green chilies.
• Southern Style: Top with buttery crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
• Loaded Mac: Stir in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours in advance!
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Leftovers keep well too—just reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

This homemade Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe focuses on simplicity and real ingredients—just like the restaurant.

There’s no fancy roux tricks, no exotic cheeses—just straightforward cheddar, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
The oven baking gives it that signature golden top and slightly crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and melty.

It’s the perfect side dish, but honestly? It’s so good, it deserves to be the star of the table.

🧀 Frequently Asked Questions About Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Why is Cracker Barrel mac and cheese so good?

Cracker Barrel mac and cheese is so good because it strikes the perfect balance between rich creaminess and bold cheddar flavor. They use sharp cheddar cheese, simple ingredients, and bake it until just golden on top—giving it that homestyle, comforting texture without making it dry. Every bite feels cheesy, cozy, and satisfying—exactly what comfort food should be!

Is Cracker Barrel mac and cheese the same as the restaurant?

When you make this homemade copycat recipe, you get a dish that’s nearly identical to the Cracker Barrel restaurant version!
The key is using real sharp cheddar, whole milk, and baking it just enough to melt and brown the top without losing that creamy interior.
While slight variations might happen at different locations, this recipe gives you the same cozy, comforting experience at home.

What is the most popular mac n cheese cheese?

Sharp cheddar cheese is hands down the most popular cheese for mac and cheese.
Its bold, tangy flavor melts beautifully and gives mac and cheese that classic, mouthwatering taste everyone loves.
Other favorites for blending include Gruyère, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack—all of which melt smoothly and add extra richness.

How can I reheat leftover mac and cheese?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk. Stir often and reheat slowly to maintain that creamy texture.