Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Panera-style mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, just like the classic from the bakery-café. Made with a rich cheese blend and tender pasta, it’s ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients List
2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheeses and Gruyère until melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
Serves 6
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Carbs: 38g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for cozy fall and winter meals.
Conclusion
This Panera-style mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. It’s an easy way to bring bakery-café comfort right to your table.
Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Course: Uncategorized6
servings15
minutes30
minutes480
kcalThis creamy, cheesy mac and cheese captures the comforting flavors of the beloved Panera classic. It features a rich blend of sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Gruyère cheeses, baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for the perfect balance of gooey and crispy.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheeses and Gruyère until melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use warm milk to ensure a smooth cheese sauce.
Dijon mustard adds depth but can be omitted if preferred.
For extra crunch, broil the breadcrumb topping for 1-2 minutes.
Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, you can substitute similar melting cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack.
Q2: How do I get a crispy topping?
Use breadcrumbs and broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day before baking and store it in the fridge.
