Description
This homemade Panera Mac and Cheese is luxuriously creamy, rich, and comforting. Made with Vermont white cheddar and a silky sauce that coats every bite, it’s the perfect copycat version of the café favorite — ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded Vermont white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk and cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheese, salt, mustard, and pepper until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with paprika and let sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk.
- For extra flavor, stir in a touch of garlic powder or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Panera mac and cheese, creamy white cheddar mac, copycat Panera recipe, comfort food, easy mac and cheese