Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about creamy, ultra-cheesy comfort food, this Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is the answer to your cravings. With its silky cheese sauce and perfect balance of sharpness and richness, it captures everything you love about the café favorite but made right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is guaranteed to bring big smiles around your table and satisfy those mac and cheese urges in the coziest way possible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of the Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is how each simple ingredient works a little magic, transforming everyday staples into something unforgettable. Every item has a purpose—whether it’s for creaminess, tang, or that irresistible gooey texture everyone loves.

• Pasta: Medium shells are classic, but any short pasta like elbows or cavatappi will do; their shape hugs the sauce beautifully.
• Butter: Unsalted and fresh, it forms the base of that silky roux and keeps the flavor balanced.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce without turning it gluey—this is key for creaminess.
• Whole milk: Room temperature is best to help the sauce come together smoothly and prevent clumping.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and that classic café-style decadence you crave.
• Kosher salt: Brightens all the flavors—don’t skimp!
• Dry mustard powder: Lends a gentle tang and depth that keeps the cheese sauce from tasting flat.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a touch balances that richness and perks up the whole dish.
• Vermont Cheddar cheese: Sharp, freshly shredded cheese melts better and provides the iconic flavor; skip the pre-shredded if you can!

How to Make Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook it just until al dente, according to the package instructions—this means the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you tackle the luscious sauce. No need to rinse; you want those starches to help the sauce stick!

Step 2: Create the Roux

Wipe out your pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously. You’re aiming for a light golden paste—this only takes a minute or two and is essential for getting that signature creamy texture without lumps or a raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Dairy

Gradually pour in the whole milk first, then the heavy cream, whisking the entire time. This step is a little like a kitchen magic trick: keep whisking, and you’ll see the sauce start to thicken and become velvety smooth. Patience is key!

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Once your sauce base is bubbling gently, it’s time for flavor: stir in the kosher salt, dry mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper. This trio adds layers of depth and rounds out the cheese beautifully—don’t be tempted to skip!

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat. Add the freshly shredded Vermont Cheddar cheese in batches, stirring steadily until each handful is fully melted and the sauce turns irresistibly thick, glossy, and smooth. The secret is patience and good cheese—taste a sneak spoonful if you can resist!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta right into the pot of cheese sauce. Stir until the shells are thoroughly coated and gleaming with cheesy goodness. Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt if needed. Get ready for that classic Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe experience!

How to Serve Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your bowl, consider a little sprinkle of extra cheddar, a crack of fresh black pepper, or even a handful of finely chopped chives or parsley. The pop of color and fresh flavor can lift the whole dish and make it truly special.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese is rich and hearty, so it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Buttered garlic bread or a simple tomato soup are also dreamy for a classic café-style lunch or dinner lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe into small ramekins for individual servings—great for dinner parties or potlucks! Or top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil for a minute for a crunchy twist. It’s also amazing scooped into bread bowls for the ultimate comfort food treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mac and cheese will keep brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing and storing, so it stays fresh and creamy for your next cheese fix.

Freezing

You can freeze the Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe, but be aware the sauce may take on a slightly different texture after thawing. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the creaminess. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through and smooth.

FAQs

How close does this taste to the actual Panera mac and cheese?

Honestly, if you follow this method and use a good sharp Vermont Cheddar, it’s a dead ringer! Taste-testers often can’t tell the difference—or think it’s even better fresh from your own stove.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts far more smoothly and gives you a richer, silkier sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce a bit grainy, so shred your own if you can swing it.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap for gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or a tablespoon of cornstarch. You’ll still get that signature creamy result.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, use all whole milk or try half-&-half for a still-luxurious texture. The final dish will be a touch lighter, but still utterly satisfying.

Can I add extras like bacon or veggies?

Go for it! Crispy bacon, diced ham, cooked broccoli, or roasted cauliflower can all be stirred in right before serving. The Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe base is perfect for your own tasty twists.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever been a moment to treat yourself, it’s with this Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for the creamiest, coziest pasta dish out there, you won’t regret diving in. Give it a try and see why it’s an all-time favorite—it might just become your new comfort food staple too!

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