There are many types of mac and cheese recipes, but the Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe stands ahead above the rest. This rich, creamy side dish is one of the chain’s most popular menu items. It’s not your typical mac and cheese, though. Panera Mac and Cheese uses sharp white cheddar and a proprietary blend of spices for maximum cheesy goodness. Our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe lets you enjoy your favorite side dish without leaving the house!
Our recipe uses a roux, giving the mac and cheese a silky-smooth texture that can’t be beaten. We also give the sauce a dash of ground mustard and nutmeg, adding a grownup twist to a childhood favorite. Don’t be intimidated, though. This dish comes together quickly but tastes gourmet. With a dish like this, kids and adults will gladly come to the table. Without further ado, here’s how to bring the taste of Panera to your home!
Panera Bread Fun Facts
Think you know everything about Panera? Test your knowledge with these fun facts.
- Panera means “bread basket” in Latin..totally fitting for this restaurant chain.
- Panera used to be called “St. Louis Bread Co.” until the 1980s.
- In the 2000s, Panera Bread reached peak popularity, with over 2,000 restaurants nationwide.
- Every restaurant has its signature music..and Panera’s just happens to be classical, adding to its sophisticated vibes.
- Panera is known for its generosity and even has restaurants that are “pay what you can,” strategically placed in low-income areas.
- Nowadays, it’s easy to find the calorie count of fast food items. Panera Bread is partially to thank for that, leading the way by letting restaurant-goers know the macros in their favorite items.
- Not only does Panera offer macros, but it also eliminated the use of artificial sweeteners and flavors from its menu in 2017.
RELATED: Homemade KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Cost Benefits of Making Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
A plate of Panera Mac and Cheese will cost you approximately $10.48. In contrast, you can make a family-sized batch of our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese for just $5.80. Remember that this may vary based on your locale and ingredient availability.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Pasta: $1.00
- Butter: $0.50
- Flour: $0.08
- Cream: $1.00
- Whole milk: $0.50
- White Cheddar cheese: $2.50
- Nutmeg: $0.10
- Salt: $0.02
- Black pepper: $0.05
- Ground mustard: $0.05
Grand total: $5.80
That cuts the cost almost in half! Plus, it feeds the entire family versus just one person..and you might have leftovers for the next day.
Panera’s Mac and Cheese is one of the heaviest items on their menu, weighing in at a whopping 960 calories. When you make your food at home, you generally lighten your caloric load and can add in some healthy veggies, like roasted broccoli.
RELATED: The Perfect Chipotle Chicken Recipe For a Family
How to Make Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Here’s how to make a batch of succulent Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese. Keep reading for some fun ways to serve your mac and cheese!
Step One: Boil the Noodles
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring the water is well-salted. Drain the noodles and set aside while you make the roux.
Step Two: Make the Roux
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, until golden brown.
Slowly stream in the cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and mustard. Whisk continuously and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Pro-tip: Making the cheese sauce goes fast, so be sure to have all your ingredients nearby.
Step Three: Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the white Cheddar cheese, a little at a time. This keeps your sauce smooth, not clumpy. Whisk until the mixture is homogeneous.
Step Four: Add Pasta and Serve
Gently fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until it is totally coated. Bon appetite!
RELATED: Delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
What to Serve With Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese is great on its own, but serve it with a side salad and breadsticks for a complete meal. For an authentic experience, you could also serve your Panera Mac and Cheese in a bread bowl.
Top your dish with bacon bits, parsley, extra black pepper, or additional cheese shreds if desired.
Storing Leftover Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
You can store leftover Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, we don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the amount of dairy used changes the texture when thawed.
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe With White Cheddar Sauce
Panera Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its best, and now, you can replicate the recipe in your kitchen. Our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese features a smooth white Cheddar sauce that elevates any pasta. This is one 30-minute meal you’ll want to bookmark! It’s the ideal dish for any family dinner, potluck, or just because.
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Pasta server
- Whisk
- 1 pound pasta (Panera uses Pipette Rigate)
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 cups white cheddar (shredded)
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring the water is well-salted. Drain the noodles and set aside while you make the roux.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, until golden brown.
Slowly stream in the cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and mustard. Whisk continuously and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the white Cheddar cheese, a little at a time. This keeps your sauce smooth, not clumpy. Whisk until the mixture is homogeneous.
Gently fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until totally coated. Bon appetite!
Prob the best Mac and cheese I ever made. It took a minute but came out great. Kids loved it.