panera bread white mac and cheese recipe

Panera Bread's White Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Copycat Version You'll Love

Macaroni and cheese, the ultimate comfort food. Who doesn't love a warm, creamy bowl of pasta smothered in melted cheese? Panera Bread's Vermont White Cheddar Mac is a fan favorite, and for good reason - it's rich, cheesy, and utterly addictive. But why settle for a trip to the bakery when you can make it yourself at home? Here's our take on Panera's classic recipe, using just a few simple ingredients.

The original recipe calls for 'Milk Fat,' which is essentially butter. And yes, you read that right - flour is also an ingredient! But don't worry, we won't be making a cake out of it (although, let's be real, a flour-based mac and cheese does sound intriguing). Instead, we'll use these ingredients to create a velvety white cheddar sauce.

The key to this recipe is using the right type of pasta. We recommend shells, as they hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully, leaving plenty of room for a generous helping of creamy goodness. And speaking of cheese sauce, it's essential to salt your pasta water well before cooking. Imagine taking a spoonful of salty ocean water - that's what you're aiming for.

So, what do you need to make this copycat recipe? Here are the ingredients:

* 8 oz shells

* 2 cups white cheddar cheese

* 1/4 cup butter

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

* Salt and pepper to taste

Now that we have our ingredients, let's move on to the instructions. It's surprisingly simple: cook your pasta al dente, make a cheese sauce using the butter and flour, and then combine the two.

The original Panera recipe includes pasteurized processed cheese, milk, heavy cream, salt, and flour, which may not be readily available in most kitchens. But don't worry - our version uses just a few pantry staples to achieve the same creamy, cheesy goodness.

This mac and cheese is perfect as a side dish or a kid-friendly main course. And the best part? It's ready in no time - just 20 minutes from start to finish. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of Panera Bread's White Mac and Cheese right in your own kitchen.

Panera bread white mac and cheese recipe