What is in Panera mac and cheese?

INGREDIENTS: Cooked Pasta (Water, Semolina Wheat Flour, Egg Whites, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Pasteurized Process Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Milkfat, Whey Protein Concentrate, Skim Milk, Sodium Citrate, Salt, ...

What kind of pasta does Panera use?

A bakery-cafe inspired favorite made with a creamy blend of cheeses, including tangy Vermont white cheddar, perfectly nestled in uniquely shaped, tender pipette rigate pasta .

How healthy is Panera mac and cheese?

Nutrition & Allergens Nutrition Information Value Calories 960 Cal Calories from Fat 580 Cal Fat 64 g Saturated Fat 35 g 7 more rows

What is the difference between mac and cheese and macaroni and cheese?

Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce . Its origins trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles dating to the 14th century in Italy and medieval England.

What is the healthiest food option at Panera?

Here are your healthy Panera Bread picks. Avocado, Egg White & Spinach. This sandwich would make a filling and nutritious start to your day. ... Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds, Quinoa and Honey. ... Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. ... Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. ... Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken. ... Black Bean Soup. Jun 15, 2018

Is it healthy to eat mac and cheese everyday?

Unfortunately, traditional mac and cheese tends to be unhealthy because it contains high amounts of saturated fats and sodium from butter, cheese, and milk. Additionally, it is calorie-dense and not ideal for those trying to lose weight.

Can you freeze store-bought Panera mac and cheese?

Panera at Home meals make it easy to experience the same amazing taste, in single-serving Panera Bread Mac & Cheese containers that are microwaveable and freezable .

How long can Panera mac and cheese sit out?

Like all other food, mac and cheese can only sit out at room temperature for two hours before entering the “danger zone.” If temperatures are high, above 90 °F, mac and cheese should not be left out for longer than one hour.

How do you reheat mac and cheese and make it creamier?

The #1 secret to creamy reheated mac and cheese " Stir in about 2 Tbs. of milk per 1 cup of mac and cheese and reheat," he says. The milk loosens up the pasta and helps create the creamy sauce as it's reheating. Heavy cream works well in this case too and adds an extra touch of richness to the mac and cheese.

Is Panera mac and cheese vegan?

If you've ever been to Panera, I am sure you have had their signature white cheddar mac and cheese. It's creamy, decadent, and total comfort food. Before I went plant-based, I used to love Panera's mac and cheese, however, since it has dairy, I don't eat it anymore . I knew everyone would love a vegan version.

What is the MAC in mac and cheese made of?

Macaroni: This homemade mac and cheese starts with a box of uncooked macaroni noodles . Butter and flour: You'll need butter and flour to make a roux for the cheese sauce. You'll also need two tablespoons of butter for the topping. Milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture.

Does Panera mac and cheese have a lot of sodium?

This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine's recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005).

Is Panera mac and cheese gluten free?

Is Panera Mac And Cheese Gluten Free? No, Panera Mac and Cheese is NOT Gluten Free . They use traditional pasta shell shaped pasta as well as enriched flour in the restaurant version as stated on their website. Thankfully, gluten free pasta shells are easy to find in stores and online.

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (2024)

Home › Recipe List › Side Dishes › Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Posted by Aimee 380 comments
Published: Feb 21, 2022 Last Updated: Jan 25, 2024

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Creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese just like Panera. Give this copycat panera mac and cheese a try. Oh and it’s quick and easy on the stove top too!!

For more traditional mac and cheese try my favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe or my Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese.

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (1)

Copycat Panera Recipe

My kids are so predictable sometimes when it comes to ordering from restaurants. I like to order something different every time I go out, it’s fun to try new things.

But at Panera, we all seem to be creatures of habit. We all get the same soup, sandwich or salad..EVERY TIME.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Orange Scones, and a big bowl of Mac and Cheese. Don’t forget the kitchen sink cookies!

I thought it would be fun to try to recreate this recipe at home. I’m good at making the main dish for dinner, but it’s the side dishes that always get forgotten. And peanut butter fudge is the perfect ending to any meal, right?

We usually end up having applesauce and a roasted broccoli because I can’t seem to wrap my head around making side dishes.

Made on stove top in minutes!
Creamy and cheesy!
Kid and adult approved.

Ingredient Notes

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (2)

With just a handful of ingredients, you can make this stove top mac and cheese at home.

Pasta- use what you love. Cavatappi is a great choice, but shells or elbows work great too.
Cheese- good quality cheese is a must. And shredding it yourself is key to the creamiest mac and cheese. Bag of shredded cheese won’t give you the same results, you’ll find it more grainy. Use white cheddar to mimic Panera.
Ground Mustard- or dry mustard. This does not give your mac and cheese a mustard flavor, but instead ENHANCES the cheese flavor. Don’t skip it!
Milk & Cream- for the thickest mac and cheese, use heavy whipping cream and whole milk.
Salt and Pepper- season as directed, adding more after serving if necessary.

Step by Step Instructions

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (3)

Cook pasta- according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
Make the roux- In a large saucepan on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper.
Add cheese- Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
Add pasta- Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. ENJOY.

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (4)

Recipe FAQs

What kind of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

I prefer a white cheddar, like Cabot’s. Don’t use the packaged shredded cheese, as it usually has thickeners on it. Buy a block and shred it yourself for the creamiest results.

What can I use instead of dry mustard?

1/2-1 tsp of dijon mustard would work well with today’s mac and cheese recipe. It doesn’t make the recipe taste like mustard, but instead enhances the cheese flavor!

Can I add hot sauce to mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Start with about 1/4 teaspoon. This will give the pasta great flavor without making it spicy. Add more if you want spice!

Tips and Tricks

While your noodles are cooking, you can whip up the roux (flour and butter mixture). Then add remaining ingredients. By the time your noodles are done, your sauce should be ready. Easy!
When ready to reheat your leftovers, you may need to add about 1/2 cup milk. Warm it up on low on the stovetop. This recipe is about two meals for us as a side dish, for our family of 4.
Use the video tutorial below to follow along!

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (5)

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Meatball Subs
Instant Pot Hamburgers
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Mississippi Pot Roast

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