Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe – (BEST Copycat!)

Why Make This Recipe

Panera’s Mac and Cheese is famous for its creamy, cheesy goodness. Many people love to visit Panera Bread just to enjoy this delicious dish. However, making it at home can be more satisfying and cost-effective. This copycat recipe lets you enjoy all the flavors of the restaurant’s mac and cheese right in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate the magic and even impress your family and friends.

How to Make Panera Mac and Cheese

Making a homemade version of Panera’s Mac and Cheese is easy and fun! Below is a simple breakdown of how you can make this popular dish at home. Trust me; once you try it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought or takeout versions again.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it is at a rolling boil, add 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan or pot, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Make sure not to let it brown. Once the butter is fully melted, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden brown. This step creates a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.

3. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while whisking continuously. This will help avoid lumps forming in your sauce. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and starts to bubble lightly.

4. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and add in 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for extra flavor.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan. Mix everything until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

6. Serve Warm: Your Panera-style Mac and Cheese is ready to serve! Feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese or paprika on top for presentation.

How to Serve Panera Mac and Cheese

You can serve Panera Mac and Cheese in various fun ways. Here are some ideas:

1. In Individual Bowls: Spoon the mac and cheese into small bowls for a perfect individual serving.

2. Garnished: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, to add color and fresh flavor.

3. With Bread: Pair it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. This can give a nice crunch and complement the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

4. Baked Version: After mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

How to Store Panera Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy!

1. Cool Down: Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature before storing.

2. Use an Airtight Container: Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the pasta from drying out.

3. Refrigerate: Store the mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

4. Freezing Option: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Just put it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Panera Mac and Cheese

1. Use Good Cheese: The flavor of the cheese is crucial. Sharp cheddar gives the best taste but mixing different cheeses can add complexity.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with the cheese sauce.

3. Adjust the Creaminess: If you want creamier mac and cheese, add more heavy cream or whole milk to the sauce.

4. Season to Taste: The spices are just a suggestion. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variation

You can customize this mac and cheese recipe in various ways:

1. Add Proteins: Dice up cooked chicken, bacon, or ham and mix it in for a heartier meal.

2. Vegetables: Stir in some steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.

3. Spicy Version: For a kick, add some diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.

4. Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheese types such as gouda, Havarti, or pepper jack for unique flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
   Yes, you can. While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta, like shells or penne, works well.

2. Can I make this vegan?
   Absolutely! Use plant-based cheese, dairy-free milk, and vegan butter as substitutes.

3. How can I reheat leftovers?
   The best way to reheat is on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Alternatively, you can microwave it; just cover it to avoid drying out.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta when you’re ready to combine and serve.

5. Why is my mac and cheese grainy?
   A common reason for grainy mac and cheese is overheating the cheese. Always add the cheese on low heat and make sure it melts gently.

Now you have everything you need to whip up a delicious pot of Panera-style Mac and Cheese at home. Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy creation!

Panera-Style Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

Deliciously creamy and cheesy homemade version of Panera Bread’s famous mac and cheese.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Boil a large pot of water, add macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add flour, and stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until the sauce thickens and bubbles lightly.
4. Mix in cheese: Reduce heat and add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until fully coated.
6. Serve warm: Garnish with extra cheese or paprika if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, cool down before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese