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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound dry medium shell pasta (1 box)
Cheese Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups freshly shredded Vermont Cheddar cheese (or any brand)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Season with salt, mustard, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Off heat, stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stir to coat.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Notes
- You can add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping before baking.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a little extra heavy cream.
- This dish is best served hot and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Panera Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese recipe, copycat recipe
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/panera-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
