This Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese is ultra-creamy, rich, and cheesy, just like the one from your favorite café! Made with white cheddar cheese, a velvety cream sauce, and tender pasta, this homemade version is even better than the original. It’s a quick and easy comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes! 🧀🍜✨

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb (450 g) pasta (shells, elbow, or cavatappi)
• 4 tbsp (60 g) butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (secret ingredient for depth)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 ½ cups (250 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) American cheese or Gruyère cheese, shredded (for extra creaminess)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water if needed for thinning the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
7. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
8. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Cheese

9. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar and American cheese until melted and smooth.
10. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

11. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
12. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a smoother sauce: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Want a baked version? Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
• Make it extra rich: Swap American cheese for Gruyère or cream cheese.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sharp white cheddar and creamy American cheese creates the signature smooth texture, while the Dijon mustard and garlic powder enhance the flavor, making it just like Panera’s, if not better!

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese is a dreamy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dish that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or satisfying comfort food cravings, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! Try it today and enjoy café-style mac and cheese at home! 🧀🍜✨