Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you have ever tried the amazing Mac and Cheese at Panera Bread then you will know how yummy this dish really is.

In this post, we will be giving you the secret Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe so you can make this cheesy delight in the comfort of your own home.

It’s a versatile dish that can be made for almost any occasion.

This is a tasty recipe that is convenient and can be cooked in bulk for almost any occasion.

Usually, people assume that Mac and Cheese is super unhealthy for you but you can always make it a bit healthier but using low-far butter, low-fat cheeses, and semi-skimmed milk.

Why you should try this Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe?

This Panera Bread Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try because it’s very easy to make yet it tastes so amazing. Whether you are new at trying different recipes or very experienced this dish is one that is very easy to whip up.

Personally, I love that two different types of chedders are being used in this recipe which adds depth to the flavor.

Also, this is a versatile recipe that can be paired up with almost any starter.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta shells
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded yellow cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater (optional)

How to Make Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the pasta

1. Fill a big pot with water and add a little salt.
2. Boil the water.
3. Add the pasta and follow the instructions provided in the box.
4. Drain the pasta and put it to the side.

Step 2: Making the Cheese Sauce

1. Add butter to a medium-sized pot and heat it on medium heat.
2. Add flour into the pot and mix it well.
3. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream while mixing to keep it smooth.
4. Cook and mix until the sauce gets thicker for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Turn the heat to low and slowly add the cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

1. Pour the cheesy sauce all over the pasta and mix it very well.
2. Cook for a few more minutes to make sure everything is hot and mixed well.

What pairs with Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with many different sides such as grilled chicken, Black Garlic Bread, or a yummy green salad.

When it comes to drinks you could easily have this with a Iced raspberry leaf tea or a white wine.

When it comes to desserts you can have this tasty meal with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones on the side which will go down well.

Tips

1. Try and use freshly grated cheese as it will melt much more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese.
2. Try not to rush and make sure you cook this dish long enough so the sauce doesn’t end up grainy.
3. If you prefer this dish spicy you can add a small amount of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?

Feel free to try alternative cheeses such as fontina or mozzarella for a different taste.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option?

Of course, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.

How Long Does the Cheese Sauce Last?

You can store the cheese in the fridge for up to 5 days. You may need to add a bit of milk once reheated since it dries out.

Conclusion

Make sure you try this tasty Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe at home. It’s a great dish to whip up if you are in the mood for comfort food or a cheat meal. It’s a dish that most people would love due to the simple ingredients.

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Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recipe by JuliaCourse: Main, SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Love Panera Bread's mac and cheese? Learn how to make it with this Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe that will satisfy all your cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta shells

• 4 tablespoons of butter

• 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 cups of whole milk

• 1 cup of heavy cream

• 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese

• 1 cup of shredded yellow cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preparing the pasta
• Fill a big pot with water and add a little salt.
• Boil the water.
• Add the pasta and follow the instructions provided in the box.
• Drain the pasta and put it to the side.
• Making the Cheese Sauce
• Add butter to a medium-sized pot and heat it on medium heat.
• Add the flour and mix well to make a smooth paste.
• Slowly add the milk and heavy cream while mixing to keep it smooth.
• Cook and mix until the sauce gets thicker for about 5-7 minutes.
• Turn the heat to low and slowly add the cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
• Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
• Bringing It All Together
• Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well.
• Cook for a few more minutes to make sure everything is hot and mixed well.

Notes

• Try and use freshly grated cheese as it will melt much more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Try not to rush and make sure you cook this dish long enough so the sauce doesn't end up grainy.
• If you prefer this dish spicy you can add a small amount of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.