Indulge in Ultimate Comfort: Perfect Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? It's the ultimate comfort food that can lift our mood and satisfy our cravings. If you're a fan of Panera Bread's mac and cheese, you would be surprised to know that a homemade version can be just as delicious (and probably cheaper!).

Did you know that Panera mac and cheese has become quite popular in recent years? It's one of the top items ordered by customers, and even some celebrities have expressed their love for it.

But if you don't want to spend money or leave your home to get a fix of this cheesy goodness, then it's time to learn how to make it yourself.

The recipe isn't complicated, and you might have most of the ingredients at home. Plus, you have the advantage of adjusting it to your taste preference, whether you like it super creamy or with a bit of tang.

Here's the recipe:

Perfect Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

- 1 pound elbow macaroni

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 4 cups milk

- 6 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in flour until smooth.
Gradually stir in milk and cook for several minutes until thickened.
Add shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper and cayenne (if using), stirring constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Fold in cooked macaroni until coated evenly.
Pour mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, until golden and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Indulging in your own version of the Panera mac and cheese is a treat that you deserve. Not only does it satisfy your hunger and tastebuds, but it also brings a sense of gratification and accomplishment.

So the next time you're in the mood for some comfort, head to your kitchen and whip up this amazing homemade recipe. Trust me; your belly and heart will thank you for it.

Indulge in Ultimate Comfort: Perfect Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

There is no denying the irresistible appeal of creamy, cheesy and comforting bowls of macaroni and cheese. And when it comes to indulging in the ultimate comfort food experience of deliciously rich and meltingly flavorful mac and cheese, nothing beats Panera's! Luckily, you can recreate this iconic and beloved comfort food classic with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps. So let's get started with the recipe of the perfect Panera Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2- 1/2 cups whole milk
• 6 slices white American cheese, chopped
• 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 F degrees, and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, al dente preferred; drain, and set aside.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, and stir in the flour. Keep whisking constantly for around two minutes till the mixture becomes light brown and bubbly.
4. Add the milk, white American cheese and cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, hot sauce , and smoked paprika . Whisk regularly until the cheese has fully melted along with other ingredients.
5. At this point, you can opt to keep the macaroni separate or add them to the sauce. I like to toss the mac in the cheese sauces; pinching done with perfection for creamier tastier results.
6. Pour the chicken Mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish; make sure it sits level.
7. You may also want to drizzle on additional cheese if preferred.
8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top layer gets lightly golden and bubbling. Once cooked, give it some time steep in it's their own flavor; reserve for five minutes.
9. Lastly, serve the decadently cheesy and deliciously creamy Panera-style Mac and cheese in bowls; adjust seasonings and toppings as desired, and enjoy

Nutrition:

With the above ingredients and following above steps as described, you will be getting 431 calories from every serving you indulge yourself in. Along with it, it shall consist :

• Total Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 7 g
• Protein: 18 g

So now that you have a foolproof recipe for a heavenly bowl of Panera-style mac and cheese apart from the nutritional values. Go forth and fulfill your magical Mac-cheese craze without breaking a sweat in the kitchen at home.

Now that you know the secret of making the perfect Panera Mac and Cheese at home, give it a try and indulge in ultimate comfort! Whether it's for a cozy date night or sharing with friends, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to impress.

Feel free to add in your own twist and experiment with different cheeses to create a unique and personalized dish. And don't forget to pair it with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits or breadcrumbs, for an added crunch.

Let us know if you tried and tested our recipe by leaving a comment down below, we would love to hear about your cooking adventures!

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade Panera Mac and Cheese!