Creamy Panera Cheddar Mac Cheese

This creamy Panera Cheddar Mac and Cheese delivers that comforting homemade vibe with simple ingredients and a smooth cheesy sauce. It’s a quick fix perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a classic, rich mac and cheese without any fuss.

I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when nothing fancy was in the fridge, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it’s a go-to for me when I want that creamy, cozy comfort food.

Ingredients

• Two cups medium pasta shells: ideal for holding the cheese sauce well
• Four tablespoons salted butter: adds richness, use good quality for better flavor
• Quarter cup all-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce, giving it that velvety texture
• One teaspoon garlic powder: optional but enhances the savory depth
• Half teaspoon salt: essential for seasoning, balance to your taste
• Quarter teaspoon pepper: adds a mild kick that complements the cheese
• Two cups whole milk: whole milk ensures a creamy, smooth sauce
• Three cups shredded white cheddar cheese: the star ingredient, freshly shredded for the best melt and taste
• Fresh black pepper: for garnish and an optional extra touch of spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the butter and flour to create a roux:

In a medium to large pot, melt the butter over low heat ensuring it does not brown. Once melted, whisk in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about one to two minutes until it becomes smooth and bubbly. This process is key to building a creamy cheese sauce without lumps.

Add and thicken the milk:

Raise the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the whole milk. Keep whisking continuously for three to five minutes. You want the sauce to bubble and thicken while removing any lumps. This step requires patience and steady whisking but it makes all the difference in achieving a silky texture.

Melt in the cheese off the heat:

Turn off the stove and immediately stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy base for your mac.

Combine pasta and cheese sauce:

Return the cooked and drained pasta shells into the pot. Mix thoroughly ensuring every shell is coated with the luscious cheddar sauce. Warm gently if needed before serving.

Serve warm:

with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper if desired.

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Cheese is my favorite ingredient here because it transforms the simple pasta into something indulgently satisfying. I remember making this for a family movie night and everyone loved how creamy and cheesy it was.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within five days for best freshness. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. Freezing is a great option; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter version, use 2% milk instead of whole milk but expect a slightly less creamy sauce. For a twist on flavor, try sharp yellow cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Gluten-free flour or cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce if you avoid wheat.

Serving Suggestions

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This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. It also works well alongside roasted vegetables or barbecue dishes as a comforting side. For kids, try mixing in some cooked peas or diced ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best?

Medium pasta shells hold the cheese sauce well and maintain a pleasing texture after cooking.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, white cheddar gives a sharp, creamy flavor, but mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can add unique richness.

→ How to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce?

Whisk the butter and flour mixture thoroughly before adding milk, and stir continuously while heating to keep the sauce smooth.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It keeps well refrigerated for 3-5 days and can be frozen up to 1-2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.

→ Is garlic powder necessary?

It’s optional but adds subtle depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.