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    Home » Recipes » Meals in 30 Minutes or Less

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    Published on December 24, 2018 - Updated on January 16, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 1 Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese
    A super simple gourmet Mac & Cheese recipe just like the one from Panera Bread. This one is especially cheesy using only White Cheddar Cheese.
     
    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    My love affair with Mac & Cheese will never fade. And this Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese hits the mark.

    I think my obsession comes from the fact that boxed Mac & Cheese was introduced to my brother and me at a really early age.

    As a kid, how can you not like noodles in a bunch of cheese sauce? Even though it wasn't real cheese - but we didn't know that at the time.

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    While I may have this particular Mac & Cheese recipe listed under Gourmet Mac & Cheeses, this is probably the easiest Mac & Cheese recipe you will ever make.

    It's actually a copycat recipe from Panera Bread. But I do have several Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipes available. All you need to do is check out my Gourmet Mac and Cheese section which includes the delicious Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Mac and Cheese recipe.

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    What I really love about this mac & cheese recipe is its simplicity. This recipe only needs one type of cheese. Unlike my other Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipes that require 3, 4 and sometimes 5 different kinds of cheese. Plus how can you resist a delicious white cheddar cheese?

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    The wife and I have been going to Panera for several years now. I like a little variety so always order something different but almost always get Panera's Mac & Cheese.

    💭 What is Al Dente

    When making Mac and Cheese, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and form and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.

    The wife, on the other hand, loves their tomato soup. Since I love making copycat recipes, I am going to add Panera's tomato soup recipe to my shortlist of things to make.

    ⭐ Copycat Rating

    Since the goal of a Copycat Recipe is for it to taste exactly like the original, it's only natural to rate this recipe against the original. This Copycat recipe rates a solid 10 out of 10 in my opinion.

    And for more great recipes made with white cheddar cheese, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    • Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
    • Copycat Applebee's Queso Blanco
    • Zucchini with Corn Skillet

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Copycat Mac & Cheese recipe from Panera Bread (see recipe card for quantities): Unsalted Butter, all purpose flour, milk, heavy cream, White Cheddar Cheese, kosher salt, Ground Black Pepper, Ground Dry Mustard, pasta.

    🥣 How to make Copycat Macaroni and Cheese from Panera Bread

    Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    In a large pot on medium-high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble.
    Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
    Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

    A super simple gourmet Mac & Cheese recipe just like the one from Panera Bread. This one is especially cheesy using only White Cheddar Cheese.
    4.63 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 1229 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
    • ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
    • 1 cup Milk
    • 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 2 cups White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Dry Mustard
    • 1 lb Pasta
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    Instructions
     

    • Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    • In a large pot on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble.
    • Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
    • Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1229kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 34gFat: 78gSaturated Fat: 48gCholesterol: 258mgSodium: 721mgPotassium: 478mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2770IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 581mgIron: 2.3mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

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    Reader Interactions

    1 Comment

    1. Mary

      December 23, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      OMG this recipe is to die for. So tasty and if you are a cheese lover this recipe is for you.
      Thanks Chef Rod for posting this recipe.

      Reply

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