Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
This copycat Panera mac and cheese tastes just like the original, for a fraction of the price!
Servings: 6
Calories: 381kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried pipette rigate Butoni or medium shells pasta
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese I like Cracker Barrel
- 8 slices white American cheese 4 1/2 ounces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season the water with 2 tablespoons salt, and add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse pasta).
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a thick, smooth paste without lumps. Cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Reduce heat to medium-low and add milk, cream, mustard, and 1 teaspoon salt. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cheeses and stir with a spatula until all the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir to mix.
Nutrition
Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1101IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 426mg | Iron: 1mg