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Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat) Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 770
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar (about 12 oz)
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer, whisking often, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat. Fold in cheese a handful at a time, then stir in salt, mustard powder, and pepper.
  5. Add pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, grate the cheese yourself. The sauce thickens as it sits; if reheating, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it back up.