Description

This creamy, indulgent Panera Mac and Cheese copycat recipe delivers the same velvety texture and rich flavor that made the original famous. Using Vermont white cheddar and a perfectly crafted roux, this homemade version rivals the beloved restaurant dish while allowing you to enjoy this comfort food classic whenever cravings strike – no trip to Panera required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality mac and cheese without leaving your kitchen or paying premium prices
• Made with real, simple ingredients you can pronounce – no preservatives or artificial flavors
• Versatile recipe that works beautifully as both a stovetop dish or baked with a crunchy topping
• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food that both kids and adults will devour

Ingredients

• Pasta: Use medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni to capture the sauce in each bite. The shape helps trap the creamy goodness inside.
• Butter: The foundation of your roux, providing richness and helping to thicken the sauce. Unsalted butter works best for controlling salt levels.
• Flour: Creates the roux when combined with butter, thickening your cheese sauce without making it grainy. All-purpose flour is perfect.
• Vermont White Cheddar: Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar is recommended for authentic Panera flavor. This sharp, tangy cheese creates that signature taste that sets this recipe apart.
• Heavy Cream: Provides unmatched richness and silky texture to your sauce. This is the secret to restaurant-quality creaminess.
• Milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream while still maintaining a creamy consistency. Whole milk provides the best results.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the cheese flavor without overpowering it.
• Mustard Powder: Adds depth and enhances the cheese flavor without making it taste like mustard. Dijon mustard works as a substitute.
• Hot Sauce: Optional but adds a subtle dimension without making the dish spicy. Just a dash wakes up all the other flavors.

Variations

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Transform this dish into an even more indulgent treat by adding crispy bacon bits. Cook 6-8 strips of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and fold most into the finished mac and cheese, reserving some to sprinkle on top before serving. The smoky, salty bacon perfectly complements the creamy cheese sauce.

Buffalo Chicken Mac

Create a spicy, protein-packed variation by adding shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Mix about 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce, fold into the finished mac and cheese, and top with blue cheese crumbles for an exciting twist on the classic.

Veggie Loaded Mac

Make it a more nutritious meal by folding in roasted vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, peas, and caramelized onions work beautifully. Roast or sauté your vegetables first, then fold them in just before serving for added color, texture, and nutrition without sacrificing that creamy comfort.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Shred the cheese first and allow it to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce. This prevents cooling the sauce too quickly and ensures smooth melting. While you’re preparing the cheese, you can start boiling water for the pasta. Having everything ready before you begin cooking makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb sauce after cooking, so don’t overcook it. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, being careful not to brown it. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it turns a light golden color. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking for about 3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the seasonings and hot sauce, then reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Remove from heat once the desired thickness is achieved.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to your cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece is coated. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor. For the baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with crushed crackers if desired, and bake as directed.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Always shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy
• Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce for the smoothest melting
• If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it to your desired consistency
• Whisk the sauce continuously while adding cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a silky-smooth texture
• For extra flavor depth, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the sauce
• If making the baked version, slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to soften while baking

How to Serve

Serve this creamy mac and cheese in warm bowls as a comforting main dish, or as a side alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or a fresh green salad for balance. For an authentic Panera experience, pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a half sandwich. Garnish with a light sprinkle of extra shredded white cheddar or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. For gatherings, consider serving in a chafing dish to keep it warm and creamy throughout the event.

Make Ahead

This mac and cheese can be prepared in advance for convenient meal planning. Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess, then combine with freshly cooked pasta.

For the complete dish, you can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance, store in the refrigerator (unbaked), and bake when ready to serve. The baked version also freezes well for up to 3 months – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if still cold.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting and create a grainy sauce. For the creamiest results, purchase a block of Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar and shred it yourself just before preparing the recipe.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy or separated?

This typically happens when the sauce is heated too quickly or to too high a temperature. Always add cheese on low heat, remove from heat before adding the final portions of cheese, and avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese has been added. Room temperature cheese also melts more smoothly than cold cheese.

Can I make this mac and cheese healthier?

Yes! Try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and incorporate pureed cauliflower into the sauce to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.

How do I reheat leftover mac and cheese without it drying out?

Reheat leftover mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk and stirring frequently to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each and adding a little milk as needed. Avoid high heat, which can separate the sauce and make the texture grainy.

Conclusion

This Panera Mac and Cheese copycat recipe brings the beloved restaurant favorite right to your kitchen with results that might even surpass the original. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime comfort food cravings strike, this creamy, cheesy masterpiece is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. With its rich Vermont white cheddar sauce coating every bite of pasta, you’ll wonder why you ever stood in line at Panera when you could create this indulgent dish at home. Give it a try today – your taste buds will thank you!

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