Let’s talk comfort food. We all have those dishes that just make us feel better, right? For me, and honestly for my whole family, it’s mac and cheese. But not just for me.anyWhat is mac and cheese? We’re talking about that dreamy, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that you get at Panera. I’ve tried so many homemade versions that fell flat, tasting either too bland or trying to make a good one. I wanted that perfectly balanced, simple yet decadent experience. After a *lot* of experimenting (and happily eating my failures! ), I’m finally happy. I finally cracked the code, and let me tell you, this Panera mac and cheese copycat recipe is awesome. If you love mac and cheese but crave that special Panera taste, you’ve absolutely landed in the right place. Where is the right place to start?
What is Panera Mac and Cheese?
What is Panera mac and cheese? What is the ultimate grown-up comfort food? This is made with a creamy, smooth cheese sauce that perfectly coats every single noodle. What’s essentially a symphony of cheddar, parmesan, and some other secret ingredients that create this savory recipe? What are some of the most satisfying foods? Is it a healthy food? When you need a little cheering up, you can always count on me. Is Panera a classic?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I so excited for you to try this recipe? First off, the flavor is just insane. What is that perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and just a hint of sweetness? Is it overpowering? What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. You’re not messing with a million different cheeses. Is it streamlined and simple, perfect for a weeknight meal when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Is it cheaper to order from Panera? What is the great thing about versatility? What are some good Side Dishes to serve as a main course? If you’re feeling fancy, try lobster. I sometimes sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil it for a few minutes for extra flavor. I love this idea! I love baked mac and cheese, but this stovetop version is just so much quicker and easier. I love this recipe because it’s easy, delicious, and everyone in my family loves it. I’m a picky eater. (E Plus, it tastes almost identical to the real deal!
How do I make Panera Mac and Cheese?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Panera mac and cheese? How do I cook pasta al dente? While that’s going, you’ll whip up the creamy cheese sauce on the stovetop, using a blend of cheeses. What are some of the best ingredients for Panera flavor? What is the best way to make pasta and sauce? What’s the best part about a bowl of cheesy, comforting goodness in under 30 minutes? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese: What are some of the best recipes for
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (I prefer the classic, but shells work too!)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. 4 teaspoons
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Contains no added
- What is the fat content of whole milk?
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
- What is a teaspoon of black pepper?
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (this adds a *secret* tang)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use a good quality cheddar for the best flavor)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (this melts beautifully)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (adds a nutty, salty note)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it, as it will get mushy when you add the cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. What is the roux used for our cheese sauce? Do not burn the roux, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
Step 3: Add the Milk and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Dijon mustard. Mix well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This step is crucial for developing the flavor and creating a creamy texture.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, white cheddar, and black pepper, stirring constantly. Mix well. When the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, stir it in a small bowl until well combined. Don’t add all the cheese at once, as this can cause the sauce to become clumpy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ideas for serving Panera mac and cheese? What is the best way to create a complete meal?
What is a quick lunch?What are some good side salads to serve with vinaigrette dressing? The acidity of the dressing will balance out the richness of mac and cheese.
What is a cozy dinner?Serve with Grilled Chicken or roasted vegetables. What are the best options for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus?
For a Potluck:What are some of the best mac and cheese recipes? Serve it with a variety of toppings, such as bacon bits, chopped green onions, and breadcrumbs. How do you customize a bowl?
For a Fancy Upgrade:Add some cooked shrimp to the mac and cheese for a decadent treat. Is it worth it?
My family usually likes it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. What is the perfect comfort food for a cold night? We sometimes have it for lunch on the weekends!
What are some tips for perfecting a Panera Mac and Cheese?
What are some tips to make sure yours is a success. What are some of the best ways to
What is cheese quality?How do you use good quality cheese in a sauce? Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Is shredding your own is always best?
Don’t overcook the pasta. Overcooked pasta will turn to mush in the sauce. Make sure to cook it al dente, meaning it should still have a bit of bite to it.
Low and Slow:When melting cheese, keep the heat on low and stir constantly. High heat can cause cheese to become grainy.
Seasoning is Key: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A little extra garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
Milk Alternatives: While I recommend whole milk for the creamiest sauce, you can use 2% milk if you prefer. Just be aware that the sauce may not be as thick.
Extra Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese along with the cheddar and Parmesan. It will make the sauce even richer and more decadent.
Seriously, follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of perfect Panera mac and cheese in no time. I learned the hard way about overcooking the pasta – a soggy mess is no fun!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cheese sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will loosen up when reheated.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, add the mac and cheese to a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir constantly until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute to prevent it from drying out.
Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t recommend adding any extra toppings like breadcrumbs until right before serving. They’ll get soggy during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to, super easy, and totally delicious copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe. I seriously think you’re going to love how close it tastes to the real thing, and how simple it is to make. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or just when you need a little bit of comfort. If you’re a mac and cheese lover like me, you absolutely have to try this recipe. If you enjoy this one, you might also want to check out my other comfort food recipes, like my creamy tomato soup or my homemade chicken pot pie. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and feel free to share any variations you come up with!
Panera Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
