Panera Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe – Thick and creamy homemade stovetop macaroni and cheese that tastes just like what you get at Panera! So quick and easy your family is going to want this for dinner tonight!
What do you think of when you think of comfort food? For me, it is some of those classic dishes like the Best Meatloaf or homemade macaroni and cheese. When I was a kid there were a couple staple comfort food dishes in our house and they seemed to stem around pasta. Old Fashioned Goulash was top of the list.
Today things haven’t changed too much, but Crock Pot Chili is always on the menu when you have a snow day for help warm us up. . Plus you have to have corn bread, right? These Corn Muffins are a staple with chili in our house. So I have branched out a little with my comforts.
If you have ever been to Panera, you know they are pretty popular for their macaroni and cheese. It is a staple on the kids menu, but the adults go crazy for it as well. So I had to find a way to make a copycat Panera mac and cheese.
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!
What’s In Panera Mac and Cheese
- Pasta – you can use whatever short cut pasta that you have
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Cheese – I think white cheddar and American cheese is best
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, and dry mustard
How to Make Panera Macaroni and Cheese
It all comes together on the stove top, so you can make it in minutes with no oven required!
- Start by boiling your water for the pasta. You can use traditional elbow noodles or small shells or whatever short cut pasta you like.
- In a saucepan you start by melting the butter and mixing in the flour. This is the start of a roux. You want to mix in the flour enough that it starts to turn golden and there are no white spots left.
- Whisk in the milk and cream until it is smooth and no longer lumpy.
- Next it is time for the cheese! We are using American and White Cheddar here. You can find American cheese at the deli where they will weigh it for you, don’t buy the fake stuff that is wrapped in plastic.
- After the cheese is all melted and smooth season your sauce with salt, pepper and dried mustard.
- Now mix in your cooked pasta until everything is nice and cheesy. That is it, super easy and oh so delicious!
Other Copycat Recipes You Will Love
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Red Lobster)
- Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
- Cafe Rio Pork (Cafe Rio)
- Pokey Sticks (Gumby’s Pizza)
- Idaho Nachos (Granite City Brewery)
- Pasta Milano (Macaroni Grill)
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden)
- Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell)
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
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!
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
- Cook pasta according to the package directions
- Meanwhile in a saucepan melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk and heavy cream.
- Slowly add cheese, stirring until smooth and completely melted. Season with dry mustard, salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per ServingCalories 574 Total Fat 39g Saturated Fat 23g Trans Fat 1g Unsaturated Fat 12g Cholesterol 116mg Sodium 1510mg Carbohydrates 37g Fiber 2g Sugar 8g Protein 20g
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Erin S
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Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Big time fave!
Krista says
This is a great copycat recipe! Kids all over are going to be so happy!
Taylor W. says
SO creamy and delicious!! Can’t wait to try!
Aysegul D Sanford says
I can eat this every single day of my life. WOW!
Christy Denney says
I love Panera’s mac and cheese and this is so good!
Beth Pierce says
My kids loved this! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!
Carrian says
Have mercy! All that cheese! My kids will go crazy for this!
Melissa says
We love Panera Mac & Cheese! Thanks for the recipe my family loved it!
Demeter says
You have nailed this recipe! It looks amazing!
Tara says
Great job on this copycat panera mac n cheese. It is one of my favorite places to get mac n cheese and have always wanted to make it.
Cathy says
Panera mac & cheese is my kids’ favorite. Love that I can make it at home and they love it just as much!
Annie says
This recipe is spot on!! Loved it!
Sara Welch says
What a creamy and delectable dish! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week! Looks too good to pass up!