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Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

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Panera Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe

Panera Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe – homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera.  Made on the stove top in just minutes!

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera. Made on the stove top in just minutes!

 

Well the snow came.  And it came in massive amounts.  I think we got around 14 inches.  School was cancelled yesterday, so it was a day at home playing with my 10 year old. Not that we would have gone anywhere, but my husband had to take my car into work to make sure he could actually get out of the neighborhood.

So we baked cookies, he played in the snow, and definitely made some hot chocolate.  I am kind of over winter, but an impromptu day off once in awhile is nice! And Crock Pot Chili is always on the menu when you have a snow day. Plus you have to have corn bread, right? These Corn Muffins are a staple with chili in our house.

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera. Made on the stove top in just minutes!

I love to go out to eat, but we don’t do it very often.  A big part of the reason is, it is just so bad for you.  Super giant portions, and pretty high calorie food.  Because, let’s face it.  If I am going out for dinner, I am not going to pay $18 for a salad.  I can make a salad at home.  I want real food.

But, I can make some of our restaurant favorites at home.  I have done Idaho Nachos from Granite City.  Pasta Milano from Macaroni Grill.   The pork recipe from Cafe Rio.  And plenty of others. Now you can add a copycat Panera mac and cheese to the list!

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera. Made on the stove top in just minutes!

So with all the snow, I need a dinner that is cozy and comforting.  Pretty sure macaroni and cheese fits the bill perfectly. But not just any mac and cheese will do.  We need copycat Panera mac and cheese.  Panera is pretty darn famous for their mac and cheese, and it was time to make it at home.

It is done on the stove top, and is super quick and easy to do.  The results are super creamy, comforting and perfect for when you just want to hide away and stay warm. Or if you are just busy and want a quick and easy dinner you know the whole family will eat!

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera.  Made on the stove top in just minutes!

Want more? Check out all of the other One Pan Dinner Recipes here and here are some more you might like:
Lemon Garlic Pork Chops
Shrimp & Avocado Tostadas
One Pan Balsamic Chicken & Veggies by Chelsea’s Messy Apron
One Pot Chicken Alfredo Skillet by The Cookie Rookie

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Video by Inspo

4.36 from 56 votes
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera.  Made on the stove top in just minutes!
Print
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese - homemade macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you can buy at Panera. Made on the stove top in just minutes!
Servings: 6
Calories: 778 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 pound small cut pasta (I used shells)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup American cheese
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to the package directions
  2. Meanwhile in a saucepan melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk and heavy cream.
  3. Slowly add cheese, stirring until smooth and completely melted. Season with dry mustard, salt and pepper.
  4. Add cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
  5. Serve immediately

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 778 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 44g 68%
Saturated Fat 26g 130%
Cholesterol 141mg 47%
Sodium 1531mg 64%
Potassium 395mg 11%
Total Carbohydrates 67g 22%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 6g
Protein 28g 56%
Vitamin A 32%
Vitamin C 0.3%
Calcium 67.2%
Iron 9.3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I saw the original recipe for this over at my friend Aimee’s site (Shugary Sweets).  I changed it up just a tiny bit to come up with my version.  If you are not familiar with Aimee, you will want to head over and check out her site.  She has some incredible desserts like Frosted Gooey Chocolate Cake Bars.  Great dinners like this Saucy Cheesesteak Hoagies.  And even appetizers like Hot Jalapeno Corn Dip.  Plus she is just one of the nicest people I know!

 

Be sure to follow along on Pinterest to see all the great new recipes I am pinning!

 

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Comments

  4. This looks like a creamy, dreamy bowl of deliciousness! I’ve never had Panera’s Mac and Cheese (I’m a bacon turkey bravo girl every single time) but now I can make it on days it’s just me and my one year old since we’re the ones that can eat gluten and dairy lol

    Reply

  9. Thank you for the comment about not getting a salad when you’re out to eat! I’ve never understood why people do that and feel the same way you do about getting real food. Sophie adores mac and cheese but I’ve yet to find a version that comes even close to her love of the blue box variety. This looks really, really good.

    Reply

  10. I wish people would leave comments AFTER they have made the dish. I agree, it LOOKS amazing but it’s a pasty tasteless dish.
    I wasted a ton of ingredients as I had to throw it all out while my family looked at me in horror. I followed the recipe exactly as posted, after a special trip to the store to buy all fresh ingredients. This is NOT a good recipe. I looked at similar recipes on line and they are all pretty much the same, small variations…. the only thing they all have in common is that people like me that actually made the dish screamed in horror.
    Sorry, THIS one is a no go.

    Reply

    • Mine turned out perfect. It was delicious and super easy. I’m a teen who barely knows how to turn on the oven and I thought this dish was easy. It’s super tasty and perfect consistency too! My brother tried some and vowed that if he could, he’d marry the mac&cheese from this recipe. What noodles did you use? Sometimes that makes a difference for me. Also, I didn’t have or want to buy all those ingredients either, so I bought super cheap extra sharp cheddar (Food Club) and some flimsy American cheese slices. I also used cavatappi noodles.

      Reply

  11. I’m in love with Panera’s mac and cheese and have tried out a few recipes before this one. I found this one to be the best! So, so, so good and super easy to make!

    Reply

  12. When I followed the instructions it was pretty bland. I am pretty confident Panera uses a lot more salt. Let’s be real, if you are wanting this then you know it isn’t going to be a health food. This recipe was a decent baseline.

    This is how I fixed it:
    I added a little over double the dry mustard
    Added a lot more salt. Scarily kept adding it.
    Added a lot more pepper.
    Added garlic to taste (I don’t measure)

    Then….it was delicious.

    Reply

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