Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Learn how to make a delicious copycat version of Panera’s famous Mac and Cheese at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb. medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni
Roux:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
White Cheddar Sauce:
- 3 cups Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk, preferably whole
Seasonings:
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (or Dijon mustard)
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Shred the Cheese: Shred the cheese and set aside at room temperature.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain well.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add cream and milk. Whisk in seasonings and hot sauce. Reduce heat, add cheese, and stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add pasta and stir to combine.
- If Baking: Use 3/4 lb. of pasta, parboil slightly, transfer to a casserole dish, and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Let sit before serving.
Notes
- For a baked version, adjust pasta quantity and cooking time.
- Consider topping with crushed Ritz crackers before baking for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Panera Mac and Cheese, Copycat Recipe, Comfort Food
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/panera-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
