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Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Dive into the world of comfort food with this easy recipe for Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese. This simple, creamy white cheddar macaroni cheese recipe, inspired by Panera’s Mac and Cheese, is the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers.

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Made with a combination of white cheddar and white American cheese, a touch of Dijon, and a hint of hot sauce, it’s bound to become one of your favorite recipes.

What basic ingredients are do you need for this mac and cheese copycat recipe?

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni 
  • ¼ cup butter 
  • ¼ cup flour 
  • 4 cups white cheddar, freshly shredded 
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • 2 cups whole milk 
  • 1 teaspoon salt 
  • ½ teaspoon pepper 
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard 
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce 
  • 10 ritz crackers, crushed, for garnish (optional)
  • Parsley, for garnish (optional) 

How do you make this panera bread mac and cheese?

Cook the macaroni until tender, drain, set aside 

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour, cook until the roux is light brown 

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk 

Whisk in seasonings and hot sauce 

Reduce to low heat and stir in 3 ¾ cups cheese 

Stir until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened 

Remove from heat and stir in cooked macaroni 

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with remaining ¼ cup cheese 

Sprinkle on crushed ritz crackers and parsley to garnish 

Serve and enjoy! 

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can make Instant Pot Panera Mac by adjusting the recipe slightly. After cooking the pasta under high pressure, use the quick release valve, then stir in the dairy products.

Q: What kind of pasta is used in Panera’s Mac and Cheese?

A: Panera uses pipette pasta, but you can use any similar size pasta.

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Tips and Tricks

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe
  • Always cook your pasta in salted water for the best flavor.
  • For the creamiest mac, avoid using pre-shredded cheese; shredding your own cheese yields the best results as it melts better.
  • Gradually add in the milk, heavy cream, and cheese while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon to ensure the creamiest sauces.
  • Use room temperature dairy products to avoid the sauce from splitting.

Variations

  • For a fun twist, add some cooked broccoli to mimic Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
  • If you love a baked macaroni touch, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top and bake until golden.

Where to Serve

This great recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners as a main dish or as a classic side dish for BBQs, parties, and family gatherings. It’s one of those side dish recipes that everyone loves!

Storage

This mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add 3-4 tablespoons of milk to help loosen the cheese sauce.

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Topping Options

Feel free to add some crispy bacon, extra cheese, or even some caramelized onions to your Panera mac n cheese for an added burst of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This copycat Panera version works so well because of the combination of cheeses and the addition of Dijon mustard and hot sauce.

The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t take extra time compared to traditional mac and cheese recipes. Plus, it’s much more economical, saving you on grocery costs compared to dining out.

Remember, don’t forget to keep a significant amount of water when you drain your pasta. This pasta water helps to bind the creamy cheese sauce to the cooked pasta, delivering the creamiest mac and cheese just like the real thing!

This is a great side dish and one of my favorite restaurant copycat recipes! It’s a creamy mac and cheese great by itself or as a yummy side.

Advantages of Homemade Mac and Cheese

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Making your own mac and cheese at home not only saves you money but also allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. Whether you prefer different kinds of cheese, want to add some veggies or protein, or like your mac and cheese extra creamy, cooking at home gives you the flexibility to make your mac and cheese just the way you like it.

What to Pair with Mac and Cheese

While mac and cheese is delicious on its own, it’s also great paired with a variety of dishes. Try it with a side of grilled chicken, a fresh green salad, or some roasted veggies. Or, serve it with some barbecue ribs or hot dogs for a classic American meal.

Cooking with Kids

Making this mac and cheese recipe is also a fun activity to do with kids. They’ll love shredding the cheese and stirring the creamy sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to cooking and get them interested in making their own meals.

What are some more fun Mac and Cheese recipes to try?

If you are looking for a full list of fun and delicious side dish recipes be sure to check out this list –> The Best Side Dishes That Will Make Your Meal Amazing

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe
Yield: 8-10 servings

Easy Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This delicious copycat panera bread mac and cheese is so good for dinner!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups white cheddar, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • 10 ritz crackers, crushed, for garnish (optional)
  • Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni until tender, drain, set aside 
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cook until the roux is light brown 
  3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk 
  4. Whisk in seasonings and hot sauce 
  5. Reduce to low heat and stir in 3 ¾ cups cheese 
  6. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened 
  7. Remove from heat and stir in cooked macaroni 
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with remaining ¼ cup cheese 
  9. Sprinkle on crushed ritz crackers and parsley to garnish 
  10. Serve and enjoy! 

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 450Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 92mgSodium 625mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 17g

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Before you go, check out these great posts!

The Best Side Dishes That Will Make Your Meal Amazing

What To Serve With Macaroni And Cheese

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