PANERA BREAD – MAC AND CHEESE (Restaurant Copycat)

⏱️ 30 minutes👥 6 servings❤️ Taste: 10/10
PANERA BREAD – MAC AND CHEESE (Restaurant Copycat)

Nutrition Facts

Calories
580
Protein
21g
Carbs
52g
Fiber
2g

Health Benefits

Gut Health3/10
Anti-Inflammatory7/10
Blood Sugar Control4/10

Ingredients

  • •- 1 pound medium shell pasta
  • •- 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • •- 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • •- ¾ cup whole milk
  • •- 9 oz white American cheese (from deli counter), sliced
  • •- 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • •- ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • •- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • •- ⅓ teaspoon white pepper
  • •- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. 11. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook shells until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. 22. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter.
  3. 33. Add heavy cream and milk, warm until steaming but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
  4. 44. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add white American cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
  5. 55. Add white cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring until completely smooth.
  6. 66. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper until well combined.
  7. 77. Remove from heat. Add cooked pasta and stir gently to coat.
  8. 88. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency.