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Check out this easy, under-30-minute recipe for copycat Panera mac and cheese. This white cheddar macaroni and cheese is pure joy in a bowl. The creamy, silky sauce oozes with cheesy goodness and flavor. This is a classic recipe, a family favorite that is next-level delicious. Honestly, every bite tastes incredible and is a spot-on copycat recipe. This easy stovetop recipe is great as a side dish or a hearty lunch or dinner. Your kids will fall in love with the soft, velvety sauce and tender pasta shells (and so will you!)
This is the best copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe I’ve ever had and I know you’ll love it too. It’s everything you’d hope for – creamy, cheesy and delicious.
If you enjoy this cozy Panera mac and cheese recipe, also try my creamy lemon pasta, this penne rosa pasta, or my pasta al forno.
Why You’ll Love It
Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy this copycat Panera mac n cheese.
Easy and quick: Whip it up in under 30 minutes.
Made with minimal, common ingredients: You probably already have them in your pantry.
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Medium pasta shells: The perfect base for trapping the creamy sauce in every bite of this Panera Bread copycat mac and cheese.
Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the salt level in your roux.
All-purpose flour: Combined with butter, this creates the base for the roux, giving the sauce a smooth and creamy consistency.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds a luxurious, silky finish to the sauce.
Ground nutmeg: Gives this recipe its cozy flavor.
Dijon mustard: A secret weapon for cheese sauces. It brings out the sharpness of the cheddar.
White cheddar: Freshly shredded and at room temperature, this cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
How to Make Panera Mac & Cheese
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside.
Make the roux: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook, allowing it to lightly brown.
Prepare the sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
Season the sauce: Add the kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard to the pot. Whisk to fully combine.
Melt the cheese: Lower the heat to a simmer and add the shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Then, remove the pot from the heat.
Combine the pasta: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese swaps: Swap the white cheddar with mozzarella, gruyere, or mild cheddar.
Vegetable add-ins: Add in corn, peas, broccoli or spinach.
Protein options: Cooked or grilled chicken, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, or lobster meat.
Spice it up: Mix in a splash of hot sauce and some garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Stay cozy with Sloppy Joe sliders or tomato burrata salad.
Main: Serve mac and cheese as a side to brisket or slow-cooker ribs. It’s perfect with just a simple salad and veggie sides, too.
Dessert: End with classic key lime pie (this recipe is so good) or some strawberry mousse tartlets.
How to Store Macaroni and Cheese
Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish.
Reheat: Pop leftovers into the microwave to reheat quickly.
Top Tips
Shred fresh cheese: It’s best to shred the cheese from a block for this Panera recipe. Pre-packaged shredded cheese will not melt as well in cheese recipes.
Time the sauce-making: Try to make the sauce while the pasta is cooking. That way, the pasta is still warm when you add it to the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Cook pasta al dente: Undercook the pasta slightly, following the package directions, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the warm cheese sauce, giving you the perfect texture.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain additives that prevent clumping but can affect texture.
Use room-temperature cheese: This helps the cheese melt evenly into the sauce without clumping or becoming grainy.
Whisk the roux continuously: When making the roux (butter and flour), whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce base.
Panera Mac & Cheese Copycat FAQs
For an extra creamy texture, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce. Be sure to whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
The trick is to melt the cheese slowly over low heat and use room-temperature cheese. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. This flour works well for the roux.
Panera Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Pot Large
Ingredients
- 1 Pound pasta shells, medium-sized
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ Cup all purpose flour
- 2 Cups whole milk
- 1 Cup heavy cream
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 Cups white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded and at room temperature
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over a medium heat. Whisk in the flour for a minute or until it begins to brown slightly.
- Carefully pour in the milk and heavy cream and whisk for 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard to the pot and whisk until combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the white cheddar cheese. Whisk continuously until smooth and creamy. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the drained, cooked pasta and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Time the sauce-making: Try to make the sauce while the pasta is cooking. That way, the pasta is still warm when you add it to the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Cook pasta al dente: Undercook the pasta slightly, following the package directions, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the warm cheese sauce, giving you the perfect texture.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain additives that prevent clumping but can affect texture.
Use room-temperature cheese: This helps the cheese melt evenly into the sauce without clumping or becoming grainy.
Whisk the roux continuously: When making the roux (butter and flour), whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce base.
Nutrition
Spoon mouthful after mouthful of this incredible copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe. I love the ultra-rich sauce; it is perfect in texture and taste. It’s also outrageously simple and quick to make in under 30 minutes. This recipe makes an easy midweek dish. It also goes well with all your favorites: roasts, cornbread, salad, garlic bread, hamburgers, hotdogs, and more.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try
- This shrimp pasta is outrageously simple and perfectly tasty as a lunch or easy dinner.
- Lasagna al forno is rich, oh-so satisfying and great with a crunchy side salad.
- A chicken Caesar pasta salad is one of those incredibly popular lunch recipes that you’ll make forever!
- Make this stuffed pasta recipe as the ultimate crowd-pleaser to serve with all your favorite Italian sides.
- Serve a steaming bowl of my pasta e ceci with its smoky bacon flavors and hearty chickpeas.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Loved how creamy and cheesy the Panera mac and cheese turned out! Making it again soon.
Delicious! I love white cheddar macaroni and cheese like this