How to Make Delicious Panera Mac and Cheese

Hey there food lovers! Are you craving for the creamy, indulgent goodness of Panera bread’s mac and cheese? Well, put down that delivery app and get ready to make the same restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen! In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate Panera’s famous mac and cheese recipe with simple, easy-to-follow instructions. So, let’s get started!

First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Panera’s mac and cheese recipe calls for elbow macaroni, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, and crispy bread crumbs. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or online. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to begin cooking. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef; this recipe is perfect for beginners, and we’ll walk you through each step of the process. So, let’s put on our aprons and get cooking!

The Ingredients You Need

If you’re looking for an easy recipe that will satisfy your cravings for Panera mac and cheese without having to leave the house, you’ve come to the right place! You can make it right in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Panera mac and cheese:

1. 16 oz. elbow macaroni
2. 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
3. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4. 2 1/2 cups whole milk
5. 6 slices white American cheese
6. 8 oz. extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar cheese
7. 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
8. 1 tsp. kosher salt
9. 1/4 tsp. hot sauce
10. 1/4 tsp. paprika

Cooking Instructions:

Now that you have all of the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple instructions to make your Panera mac and cheese:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Cook your macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk together until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture turns a light golden color.

Step 5: Gradually add the milk to the mixture, whisking constantly until it becomes smooth and thickens up.

Step 6: Add the sliced American cheese and whisk until it melts and becomes smooth.

Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, whisking until it melts and becomes incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8: Stir in the Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and paprika.

Step 9: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir until it becomes fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 10: Pour the mac and cheese into a casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown.

Wrapping Up:

And there you have it – an easy and delicious recipe for Panera mac and cheese that you can make from the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to indulge in some comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Have fun with it and feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings to make it your own!

Ingredients You Will Need

Before diving into the cooking process of Panera’s famous mac and cheese, it’s essential to take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. You don’t have to worry because the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store. Here are the required ingredients to make Panera mac and cheese:

1. Elbow macaroni: You will need eight ounces of elbow macaroni. It’s essential to follow the instructions on the package to ensure that the macaroni is cooked to the right consistency.

2. Whole milk: You will need two cups of whole milk. It is essential not to use skim milk or almond milk, as it won’t give you the desired creamy texture.

3. Heavy whipping cream: Add one cup of heavy whipping cream. It makes the mac and cheese creamier, and the consistency becomes richer.

4. Butter: You will need some butter, which is essential for the cheese sauce. Half a cup should be enough.

5. Flour: Two tablespoons of flour will come in handy for thickening the cheese sauce.

6. Yellow National Cheddar Cheese: You will need two cups of yellow National Cheddar cheese to add that cheesy flavor we all crave.

7. Dijon mustard: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard will give your mac and cheese an excellent kick.

8. Salt: Add a pinch of salt to taste.

9. Paprika: For that slightly smoky taste, one teaspoon of paprika will do the trick.

10. Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper will balance out the flavors, bringing that perfect harmony of spiciness and saltiness to your dish.

Gathering all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking is crucial for making sure that the dish turns out perfect. With that out of the way, let’s move on to the next steps.

Ingredients

To make an authentic Panera-style mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients at your disposal let’s prepare the mac and cheese.

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Before you make the cheese sauce, cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it is still firm to the touch but not mushy. Once cooked, drain the excess water and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and mix until it is well combined. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, until it turns a light golden color.

Next, slowly pour the milk into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and paprika to the mixture, and whisk everything together until it’s smooth. Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking, whisking every few minutes, until the sauce has thickened – this should take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and add both the shredded cheddar and fontina cheese, whisking until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the cheese sauce and macaroni

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. At this point, you can either serve the mac and cheese as is, or you can place it in a baking dish and top it with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 5: Serve!

Bake the mac and cheese (optional) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once it’s cooked, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy the deliciousness of the Panera mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Learning to make Panera mac and cheese is an excellent way to indulge your taste buds in a classic comfort meal. It may seem intimidating at first, but with this simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can master how to make the Panera mac and cheese with ease. Use this recipe at home and impress your family and friends with your fantastic culinary skills. Do share your thoughts with us and let us know if it turns out to be a success.

Savor Every Bite of Your Panera Mac and Cheese!

Now that you know how to make Panera Mac and Cheese, you can satisfy your cravings without leaving your home. There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy and cheesy pasta after a long day. So, thank you for taking the time to read this recipe. We hope you enjoyed learning about the ingredients, steps, and tips to making this delicious dish. Don’t forget to visit again later for more exciting recipes and cooking hacks that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Happy cooking!