Panera Mac & Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the creamy comfort of our Panera Mac & Cheese Recipe, a delightful take on your favorite café classic. This easy dish combines the rich flavors of sharp white cheddar with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every shell. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this mac and cheese promises to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the stovetop or baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping, this dish is versatile and customizable—add your favorite veggies or crunchy toppings for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb medium pasta shells (or elbow macaroni)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups shredded Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted; season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce if desired.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a greased baking dish for baking; top with crushed crackers if desired and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 588
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Find it online: https://easykitchenlove.com/panera-mac-cheese-recipe/