Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

5 from 2 votes

You are going to go bonkers over this Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe. It tastes identical to the real deal and is so easy to make at home!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Mac and Cheese

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Panera Mac and Cheese

Servings:

Author: Lee Funke

8 oz. dried elbow macaroni or conchiglie the noodle Panera uses, or noodle of choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 ¼ cups whole milk
8 oz. shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese ~2 cups
½ teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon salt

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the noodles until al dente and then strain noodles. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute or until a paste forms.
Slowly add the milk into the roux, whisking continuously for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. You want a smooth sauce with no lumps.
Next, fold in the shredded cheese, mustard, and salt. Mix until all of the cheese has melted.
Finally, add the cooked noodles and mix to combine. Serve immediately.

If the mac and cheese sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of extra milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
This recipe can easily be doubled.