White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Panera Copycat
Creamy, indulgent, and packed with irresistible flavor, this White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Panera Copycat recipe is the ultimate comfort food made right in your kitchen. Featuring tender elbow macaroni folded into a velvety cheese sauce crafted from a duo of freshly shredded white cheddar and sharp white cheddar cheeses, this dish strikes the perfect balance of richness and tanginess. A touch of Dijon mustard enhances the flavor profile, while the incorporation of a roux ensures a flawlessly creamy texture. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe delivers restaurant-quality mac and cheese in less time than it takes to order takeout. Serve it as a main course, a cozy side dish, or make it the star of your next family gathering. Perfect for cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups White cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground white pepper
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the white cheddar and sharp white cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground white pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for best results, garnished with additional shredded cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
757 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.2 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 129 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 526 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.8 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 26.6 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 508 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 237 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
