Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
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If you’ve ever craved the taste of Panera mac and cheese, this recipe is for you. This white cheddar mac recipe delivers that signature cheesy flavor right in your own kitchen. It’s simple to make and tastes just like the original. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort food that’s sure to please!
Round out your meal with on of these easy dinners for quick and satisfying recipes the whole family will love. Pair your mac and cheese with a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup for a cozy, comforting combo. And for a fresh, light side, try the strawberry poppy seed salad – it’s a delightful burst of flavor that complements any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
- Quick and Easy Timing: Perfect for busy weeknights, this Panera recipe comes together in no time, ensuring you have a delicious meal without the long wait.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite ingredients like crispy bacon, steamed veggies, or extra cheese to make it your own.
- Just Like the Restaurant: Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Panera’s mac and cheese right at home, without needing to leave your kitchen.
My craving for Panera mac and cheese has been so real lately. The only problem is that we do not have one anywhere near where I live which left me no choice but to make my own. I dove down a deep rabbit hole of trying to figure out what went into their mac. At one point I even called the store with no help. Then, one magical day, I stumbled upon a reddit form where someone swore that the recipe was so easy and only used a few basic ingredients.
Turns out, they were right. The beauty of this recipe is that it has minimal, but quality, ingredients. The star of the show is the white cheddar with a supporting character roll from the non traditional noodles. This is so good. My very picky teenager, who will only ever eat my pepper jack mac, blew my mind when he said this is a VERY close second place.
Ingredients You Need
- Pasta Shells: Use medium-sized pasta shells for the best texture, as they hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly. Cook them al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of your dish. Make sure to melt it slowly over medium heat to avoid burning.
- Flour: When adding flour to the melted butter, whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. This helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Salt and Pepper: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust to taste as you go. Remember, the cheese will add some saltiness too.
- Half and Half: Ensure it’s at room temperature before adding to the roux to prevent curdling. If you don’t have half and half, you can mix equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream.
- White Cheddar: For the best white cheddar cheese sauce and meltability, use a good quality white cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Variations
- Bake It Versus Stovetop: For a crispy, golden topping, transfer the Panera mac n cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Enhance the texture and flavor by adding toppings like crushed Ritz crackers or toasted breadcrumbs before baking.
- Other Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, gruyère, or mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Spices: Boost the flavor by mixing in spices like paprika, mustard powder, or even garlic powder.
- Make It Spicy: Add a kick to your mac and cheese with a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Mix-Ins: Incorporate proteins and veggies such as ham, steamed broccoli, peas, or rotisserie chicken for a more filling meal.
- Use Different Pasta Shapes: Try using different pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or fusilli for a fun change in texture.
How to Make Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: While the noodles are cooking, place a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes bubbly and forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
- Add the Half and Half: Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and let the mixture simmer over medium heat until it starts to thicken slightly, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese to the thickened sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked and drained pasta shells to the cheese sauce. Toss the noodles in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve: Your homemade Panera-style mac and cheese is now ready to serve! Enjoy immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
What to Serve with Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Looking to round out your meal? Here are some delicious sides that pair perfectly with your homemade mac and cheese:
- Southwest Chicken Salad: Add a zesty and fresh twist to your meal with this flavorful chicken salad.
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad: Enjoy a burst of fruity goodness with this light and refreshing salad, perfect for balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Broccoli Salad: This crunchy and tangy broccoli salad makes a great side dish, adding a healthy dose of veggies to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These browned butter Brussels sprouts are a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal, offering a delightful caramelized flavor.
- Roasted Frozen Broccoli: Quick and easy, this roasted broccoli is a simple way to get more greens on the table.
- Crispy Chicken Strips: For a heartier option, serve your mac and cheese with these crispy chicken strips. They add a satisfying crunch and extra protein to your meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Grate Cheese from a Block: Always grate your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Master the Roux: The roux, a mixture of butter and flour, is the base of any good cheese sauce. Cook it until it’s bubbly to ensure your sauce will be thick and creamy without any raw flour taste.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta to al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Choose Your Dairy: Depending on what you have on hand or your preference, you can use different dairy options. Half and half is a great balance of richness and creaminess, but you can also use heavy cream for an even richer sauce, or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, don’t panic! Add a ladle full of the pasta cooking liquid and stir until you reach the desired consistency. This helps to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Microwave: Place a portion of mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy, cover, and microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
Stovetop: Transfer the mac and cheese to a saucepan. Add a splash of milk and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and creamy again.
Recipe FAQs:
The Panera mac and cheese recipe is made with pasta shells that are smothered in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce.
While delicious, this mac and cheese is quite rich and high in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To heat up pre-made mac and cheese, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. In the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk, cover, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, place it in a saucepan, add a splash of milk, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
To prevent mac and cheese from becoming greasy when reheating, add a splash of milk to the dish. This helps to maintain the creamy consistency and prevents the fats from separating. Stir well during reheating, whether using the microwave or stovetop method.
More Restaurant-Style Recipes
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Panera Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 (8oz) package medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1½ cups half and half
- 1½ cups white cheddar (shredded)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, place a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes bubbly and forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
- Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and let the mixture simmer over medium heat until it starts to thicken slightly, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese to the thickened sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta shells to the cheese sauce. Toss the noodles in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Your homemade Panera-style mac and cheese is now ready to serve! Enjoy immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Video
Notes
- Grate Cheese from a Block: Always grate your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Master the Roux: The roux, a mixture of butter and flour, is the base of any good cheese sauce. Cook it until it’s bubbly to ensure your sauce will be thick and creamy without any raw flour taste.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta to al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Choose Your Dairy: Depending on what you have on hand or your preference, you can use different dairy options. Half and half is a great balance of richness and creaminess, but you can also use heavy cream for an even richer sauce, or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, don’t panic! Add a ladle full of the pasta cooking liquid and stir until you reach the desired consistency. This helps to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Picky teen approved, especially if you add a little bacon!