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Panera's Macaroni and Cheese Copycat Recipe

This easy macaroni and cheese recipe is so good that you won't believe you're taste buds. Be careful with this Panera's Macaroni and Cheese Copycat Recipe; this recipe is pure, cheesy temptation.
There is no closer recipe to the real thing than this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. In fact, you'll completely forget you made it yourself. But the best part about making this recipe at home is that you can adjust the recipe however you'd like. Panera's mac and cheese is notorious for being delicious but packed with calories (roughly 950 per serving).
By making this at home, you can choose a type of pasta, like quinoa pasta or even whole wheat pasta, that has fewer calories, so you can enjoy this delicious comfort food without all the guilt.
And don't worry: as long as you choose the right blends of cheeses, your mac and cheese will still taste just as delicious as it does at Panera. There's nothing quite like a bowl of Panera mac and cheese when you're craving some comfort food. With restaurant recipes like this, you will no longer have to leave your house to get some.
Serves4
Preparation Time5 min
Cooking Time20 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon style mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
There's no better pairing for mac and cheese than Panera's bread bowls. Get the recipe for this staple of Panera's menu here: Copycat Panera Bread Bowls
Instructions
-
In a four-quart non-stick saucepan over medium high heat, place dry pasta, milk, salt, and mustard.
-
Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently over medium low heat until pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened, (about 20-30 minutes).
-
Remove pan from the heat and stir in the butter and cheese. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Recreate all of your favorite dishes from Panera at home with this collection of
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Hippie Chick
Aug 28, 2018
I have not sampled the mac and cheese at Panera yet, but it does look tempting. I usually always get just a half sandwich and creamy tomato soup and have not yet decided to leave that comfort zone. I am so happy to have this recipe though so that I can try it at home for a quick lunch one day soon.

Weberme
Jun 22, 2016
I love mac and cheese but never had any from Panera . Looks real creamy and I love the idea of the big shells. Never would have used them if I did not see it. Who does not like it themselves and yes it is a comfort food especially when feeling down. Do not know why it just is.Homemade beats store bought anytime and with this recipe being so easy I can make it often. Is it as good as it looks?

Zimm102090
Apr 21, 2016
This macaroni and cheese was SO good. I had to stop myself from over-indulging!

Megan B
Apr 19, 2016
This recipe nails the Panera flavor. It definitely tastes just the same. However, like other Panera mac n cheese recipes, the texture is off. It's not quite as creamy as when I order in the restaurant. As far as mac n cheese goes, though... it's delicious!

Sleepy Jules
Apr 19, 2016
This was super good, and definitely tasted like the Panera version. Can't wait to make this again!

bambakes7
Apr 19, 2016
It really tasted like Panera's mac and cheese! I would definitely make it again.

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