Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
This copycat Panera Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish made with elbow pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. The sauce itself is a blend of cheddar cheese and white American cheese, creating a smooth, indulgent texture with a slightly tangy flavor. It’s often served in a warm, generous portion, and is a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying, hearty, side dish. If you like this recipe, try my Baked Mac and Cheese recipe next
Cheeses Used in this Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
White American cheese has a mild, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor with a smooth, buttery texture. It is less sharp than cheddar, making it a versatile cheese for melting and pairing with a variety of other cheeses.
Cheddar cheese ranges from mild to sharp, with a firm texture and a rich, tangy flavor. As it ages, it develops a sharper, more pronounced taste with nutty and earthy notes. The flavor profile can vary depending on the aging process, but it generally has a bolder, more complex taste than white American cheese.
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 cups pipette pasta
- 2 tbsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp pepper for finishing
- ¾ cup white cheddar cheese shredded
- ¾ cup white American cheese shredded
Instructions
- To a pot of water, add salt. When the water is boiling, add in pipette pasta and cook until al dente. This should take 8 minutes. Strain pasta and set aside.
- To a separate pot on medium-low heat, add in butter. Once melted, add in flour and stir to combine. Stir to ensure there are no lumps.
- Whisk in milk and stir until it starts to thicken.
- Add in cheeses and ground mustard. Whisk until smooth. This will take a few minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce and stir to evenly coat pasta.
- Top with black pepper and serve immediately in a bread bowl or by itself.
