Panera Mac and Cheese
This recipe gives you a creamy and cheesy mac and cheese similar to Panera's version.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry medium shell pasta or any short pasta will work
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream room temperature
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cups freshly shredded Vermont Cheddar cheese I used Cracker Barrel but you can use any brand
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the salt, mustard powder, and pepper. Add the cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Notes
You can add breadcrumbs on top for extra texture if desired.