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If you love Panera's Macaroni and Cheese (or just love macaroni and cheese) make it at home with this copycat recipe. It's ultra creamy, cheesy, and heavenly good. Simple ingredients for a simple and classic dish.
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Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese

If you love Panera's Macaroni and Cheese (or just love macaroni and cheese) make it at home with this copycat recipe. It's ultra creamy, cheesy, and heavenly good. Simple ingredients for a simple and classic dish.
Author: Lisa Kerhin

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar I love to use Cabot’s seriously sharp cheddar
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb pasta, cooked (small shapes like elbow, shells, or cavatappi)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside, keeping warm, until ready to use.
  • In a large pot on medium high heat, melt butter then whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add milk, cream, dry mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Continue whisking until it begins to boil. Reduce to heat to low and add the white cheddar cheese; stir until melted. Add the cooked pasta and stir until it is well combined.
  • Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
  • To reheat any leftovers, add a bit of milk to the pot of mac and cheese while heating over low heat.