Panera Mac and Cheese: Discover the Best Recipe Today!
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A creamy and delicious copycat recipe of Panera’s famous mac and cheese, perfect for cheese lovers.
- Author: Marianne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to mix in cooked vegetables or proteins for added nutrition.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg