How to make Panera Bread's Mac and Cheese
The cult favorite creamy and thick mac and cheese that is a guilty pleasure.
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories: 800kcal
Cost: $20
Equipment
- large pot
- strainer
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni noodles
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups skim milk (or almond milk)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup white cheddar shredded
- 1½ cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- pepper for serving
- smoked paprika for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles according to instructions. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them for about 7-10 minutes. Then strain and set aside.
- In the same pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Then add the flour and stir quickly for about 1 minute, allowing the flour and butter to become a golden, thick paste. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until incorporated. Then add the skim milk and stir up again. Once mixed, add both cheeses and continue to stir until the cheese appears melted throughout the mixture and it has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the dijon, hot sauce and salt. Stir.
- Dump in the noodles and stir until all noodles are well coated. Remove from heat.
- Add pepper or smoked paprika if desired (for serving). Enjoy!