Panera Style Mac and Cheese

This is the EXACT recipe from Panera’s website that was posted for only a short time. I just cut the recipe and half so that it would make 4 servings instead of 8. Their mac and cheese recipe is made with white cheeses instead of the normal orange cheddar that you see in other mac and cheese recipes. Don’t let the color fool you though, it still tastes like great mac and cheese. 

Our first Panera opened up back in 2013 and I remember how long my friends and I had to wait to get our food (over 40 minutes!) but that is typical for a restaurant having to wait when they first opened their doors. Now you can walk in and out no problem. 

I usually order the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup, or get their Strawberry Poppyseed Salad which I have a copycat recipe down below for as well. Check it out if you love that as well.

Tips for  Panera Mac and Cheese 

The original recipe calls for shell pasta, but any type of noodles will work that you have on hand. The same goes for the types of cheese. I would highly suggest trying this with the Vermont white cheddar since that is what is used in the original recipe. 

The butter and flour make a roux to help thicken the mac and cheese, do not skip this part! 

For the hot sauce, you can use Chalulu,  Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, or Sriracha 

Instant Pot - the original recipe is made on the stove but the same end result can be achieved using your IP. Cook the noodles manual pressure HIGH for 4 minutes with 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Quick-release to set your IP to SAUTE mode. Stir in milk, mustard, and hot sauce, then add the cheeses to melt. Skip the step that calls for butter and flour.

How to make Panera Mac and Cheese 

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, drain and return to the pot; set aside. 6 to 8 minutes 

Melt butter over low heat until it starts to bubble.  Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Slowly whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in cheeses, a little bit at a time, stirring until cheese melts completely. Add mustard, salt, and hot sauce, and stir until well combined and sauce is smooth.

Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings. Serving size: 1 cup 

Other Copycat Recipes 

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad - Panera Copycat 

Black Bean Soup Copycat - Panera 

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup 

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Copycat 

Paula Deen’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese 

*If you make this recipe please comment and rate the recipe below to let everyone know how it is, or tag me on Instagram!

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