Popeyes Mac and Cheese Recipe

This isn't your average mac and cheese. Popeyes' version boasts a rich and flavorful cheese sauce that's perfectly smooth and delightfully gooey. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a side dish, a quick lunch, or a satisfying snack.
While the exact recipe from Popeyes is a secret, this copycat version comes pretty darn close. It uses a combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and gouda cheese to create a complex and irresistible flavor profile. A touch of mustard powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper adds a hint of warmth and depth.

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• ½ tablespoon Better than Bouillon chicken base (or vegetable base for vegetarian option)
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup grated gouda cheese
• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese, for topping

Directions

1. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Whisk in Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk and Better than Bouillon. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the parmesan, gouda, cheddar, mustard powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Combine and Bake: In a large bowl, toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and additional sharp cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.