Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese just like Panera. Give this copycat version a try. Oh and it’s quick and easy on the stove top too!!

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My kids are so predictable sometimes when it comes to ordering from restaurants. I like to order something different every time I go out, it’s fun to try new things.

But at Panera, we all seem to be creatures of habit. We all get the same soup, sandwich or salad..EVERY TIME. 

And of course, the macaroni and cheese. Obsessed.

It’s creamy. Wait…I should say it’s THICK and CREAMY. Capital letters help emphasize, right?

I thought it would be fun to try to recreate this recipe at home. I’m good at making the main dish for dinner, but it’s the side dishes that always get forgotten. And peanut butter fudge is the perfect ending to any meal, right?

We usually end up having a fruit salad and a steamed veggie because I can’t seem to wrap my head around making side dishes.

But with today’s recipe, it’s the side dish that takes the show! If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen this photo. A side of sloppy joes with our Mac and Cheese.

I used Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar for this recipe. But a good quality white cheddar would work if you can’t find the Cabot.

How to make Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese:

STEP 1: Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.

PRO TIP: Use your favorite noodle. Cavatappi is a great choice, or shells or elbows work great too!

STEP 2: In a large saucepan on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.

STEP 3: Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. ENJOY.

TIPS for Panera Mac and Cheese:

• Use a good white cheddar. Don’t use the packaged shredded cheese, as it usually has cornstarch or some other thickeners already on it. Buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Trust me, it’s going to melt so much creamier!
• While your noodles are cooking, you can whip up the roux (flour and butter mixture). Then add remaining ingredients. By the time your noodles are done, your sauce should be ready. Easy!
• When ready to reheat your leftovers, you may need to add about 1/2 cup milk. Warm it up on low on the stovetop. This recipe is about two meals for us as a side dish, for our family of 4.
• Use the video tutorial below to follow along!

What to serve with Mac and Cheese:

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Meatball Subs
• Instant Pot Hamburgers
• French Dip Sandwiches
• Mississippi Pot Roast

If you love Panera, here are a few of my favorite copycat recipes

Dinner in under 30 minutes! Loaded with vegetables and cheese, you’ll love this easy, creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe! It’s the BEST!

This Strawberry Pecan Salad is loaded with fresh berries and candied Pecan Halves. It’s also topped with a sweet, homemade lemon poppy seed dressing.

Orange Scones are my favorite bakery treat from Panera!

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If you love this Cheddar Mac and Cheese, you may also love:

• Chicken Pot Pie Soup
• Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese
• Gouda Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Tetrazzini
• Potato Salad Recipe
• Olive Garden Salad 
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Broccoli Salad Recipe
• Spinach Empanadas

Copycat Panera Bread Macaroni and Cheese recipe and video:

Yield: serves 8

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

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Creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese just like Panera. Give this copycat version a try. Oh and it’s quick and easy on the stove top too!!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (I used skim)
• 2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cup shredded white cheddar (I used Cabot seriously sharp cheddar)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1lb, pasta, cooked (cavatapppi, shells, or elbow)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
2. In a large pot on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
3. Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. ENJOY.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 14g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.

*This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe was originally published on Shugary Sweets on March 21, 2014. 

Copycat Panera White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight side dish!