Let’s face it, any time you head to Panera, no matter what you end up doing, you know you’ve always wanted to have delicious macaroni and cheese. However, it is not really complicated to make it yourself. If you find yourself too far from Panera or simply don’t want to go out, just make your own group. The secret behind this delicious meal is the combination of white cheddar that gives it a distinct and rich flavor and white American cheese that gives it that delicious creamy texture. This recipe is definitely not diet friendly, so be sure to go for full cream cheese and whole milk for best results. American white and white cheddar gives distinctive flavors
what do you need
1 pound dry crust or salt elbow kosher pasta 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup AP flour 1 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half) 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 3/4 pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated 1/4 pound plain American white cheese
What do I do
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook until done, don’t overcook. Strain it and set it aside. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, then add the flour and beat until a smooth and thick dough is formed. Make sure there are no lumps, then cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and not brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream, milk, mustard, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk constantly until the sauce has bubbled and thickened, which should take about 5 minutes or so. Add the cheese and mix with a wooden spoon until melted. Add the cooked pasta and mix until completely covered. Enjoy the delicious imitation Panera Mac & Cheese! Make your own mac and cheese panera
