Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Skip the line & make the best Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe at home! Rich, creamy white cheddar sauce tastes even better than the original.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder or Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add dairy: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Cheese time: Lower the heat and add shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted.
- Season: Stir in salt, pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce (if using), mixing well.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve warm: Dish out the creamy mac & cheese into bowls and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 587kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 21gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 541mgFiber: 2g
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