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Home / How to Make White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

How to Make White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

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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!!

For more traditiona mac and cheese try my favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe or my Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese.

Bowl with homemade macaroni and cheese. Copycat recipe from panera.

Copycat Panera Recipe

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.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Orange Scones, and a big bowl of Mac and Cheese.

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 applesauce and a roasted broccoli because I can't seem to wrap my head around making side dishes.

Overhead shot of mac and cheese with black pepper.

Step by Step Instructions

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.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

I prefer a white cheddar, like Cabot's. Don't use the packaged shredded cheese, as it usually has thickeners on it. Buy a block and shred it yourself for the creamiest results.

What can I use instead of dry mustard?

1/2-1 tsp of dijon mustard would work well with today's mac and cheese recipe. It doesn't make the recipe taste like mustard, but instead enhances the cheese flavor!

Can I add hot sauce to mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Start with about 1/4 teaspoon. This will give the pasta great flavor without making it spicy. Add more if you want spice!

Tips and Tricks

  • 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!
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese in a green soup bowl.

What to serve with Mac and Cheese:

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

Give Christmas dinner a decadent finish with this Eggnog Cheesecake Cake. A creamy center and plenty of spice make this the ideal dessert for a cozy holiday celebration!

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

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

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ 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.

Notes

  • Use a good quality cheese for best flavor.
  • Shred your own cheese!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519 Total Fat: 39g Saturated Fat: 24g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 115mg Sodium: 379mg Carbohydrates: 29g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 2g Protein: 14g

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

Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

Categories: Salad and Sides

Posted on September 25, 2020

How to Make White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Source: https://www.shugarysweets.com/copycat-panera-macaroni-cheese/