Panera Mac Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this creamy Panera Mac and Cheese recipe, a perfect homemade rendition of the beloved café classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce made with rich white cheddar, creamy American cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, this dish hits all the right notes of decadence and nostalgia. The secret to its velvety texture lies in its easy, foolproof roux, complemented by a hint of Dijon mustard for subtle tang and depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-style mac and cheese is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of extra cheese, and savor the cozy flavors that make this recipe a true classic. Perfect for mac and cheese lovers everywhere!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces Pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups White cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup American cheese (shredded or chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground white pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 3
Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and American cheese, ensuring each addition melts before adding more. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Mix in the Dijon mustard, salt, and ground white pepper to taste.
Step 7
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, gently stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 8
Serve the mac and cheese warm in bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1732.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4164.6 |
| Total Fat 281.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 170.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 832.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6070.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 266.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 32.7g | |
| Protein 131.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 286.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2890.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1534.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories