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Creamy Panera-Style Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

Panera Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce seasoned to perfection. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved Panera Bread favorite, making it easy to indulge in cheesy goodness at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms and it turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in whole milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
  • Adding a breadcrumb topping and baking the mac and cheese can give a crispy finish if desired.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with the sauce.

Keywords: Panera Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy cheese sauce, macaroni and cheese recipe

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/creamy-panera-style-mac-and-cheese-recipe/