Delicious Homemade Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe in 10 Easy Steps

If you're a fan of Panera's creamy and delicious mac and cheese, then you're in for a treat! In this article, we will be sharing our very own homemade Panera mac and cheese recipe that's quick, easy, and oh-so delectable. Who needs to go out for lunch when you can make restaurant-quality mac and cheese in the comfort of your own kitchen?

With just 10 simple steps, you can whip up a batch of mouth-watering mac and cheese that tastes just like the real thing. All you need are a few basic ingredients like elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and of course, lots of cheesy goodness. So get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends with this amazing recipe.

One of the best things about this homemade Panera mac and cheese recipe is that it's incredibly customizable. You can add your favourite toppings like bacon bits or chopped scallions to elevate the flavour and texture. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to your liking - go ahead and add as much cheese as your heart desires! And the best part? You'll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy for days to come (if it lasts that long).

So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron and get ready to cook up a storm with our delicious homemade Panera mac and cheese recipe. We promise, once you try this irresistible dish, you'll never want to settle for less. Bon appétit!

Delicious Homemade Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe in 10 Easy Steps

Panera Bread is known for their signature mac and cheese that's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-dreamy. Luckily, you don't have to leave your house to enjoy their famous dish. With this homemade recipe, you can recreate the same deliciousness in just 10 easy steps.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
6 slices white American cheese
8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar, shredded
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the American cheese and white cheddar, one slice at a time, making sure each slice is melted before adding the next.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well coated.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

This recipe yields 6 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 690
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 1210mg
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 28g

This homemade Panera mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy the same creamy and cheesy goodness without leaving your house. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Panera from the comfort of your own home.

Thank you for stopping by our blog and reading about our delicious homemade Panera mac and cheese recipe in 10 easy steps. We hope that you found the article informative and inspiring enough to try making this scrumptious dish yourself.

As you might have noticed, making the perfect mac and cheese can be a bit tricky, but don't let that intimidate you. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can whip up a batch of cheesy goodness that will impress your family and friends.

If you do decide to make this recipe, we would love to hear about your experience and see pictures of your finished dish. You can tag us on social media or leave a comment down below. And of course, feel free to share this recipe with others who might enjoy it too.

Once again, thank you for visiting our blog, and we hope to see you back soon for more cooking tips and recipes!

People Also Ask About Delicious Homemade Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe in 10 Easy Steps:

What ingredients do I need to make Panera Mac and Cheese?
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
How do I make the cheese sauce for Panera Mac and Cheese?
What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Do I need to use flour to thicken the cheese sauce?
How long does it take to bake Panera Mac and Cheese?
Can I freeze leftovers for later?
What can I serve with Panera Mac and Cheese?
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Answer:

To make Panera Mac and Cheese, you will need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, heavy cream, white cheddar cheese, American cheese, salt, and pepper.
We recommend using elbow macaroni for this recipe, as it is the traditional pasta used in mac and cheese dishes.
To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once the mixture has thickened, add shredded cheddar cheese and cubed American cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
We recommend using a combination of white cheddar and American cheese for the best flavor and texture.
You can use low-fat milk, but the sauce may not be as creamy and rich.
Yes, flour is necessary to thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth texture.
Baking time can vary depending on your oven, but it typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 350°F.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Panera Mac and Cheese pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a green salad, or grilled chicken.
Yes, you can make the recipe ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.