How to Make Panera Mac and Cheese at Home

97

Every time I missed Panera’s mac and cheese, I knew I had to act. The creamy flavors in my memory pushed me to find a homemade recipe. This recipe would bring back my favorite restaurant moments.

Making Panera mac and cheese at home is more than a recipe. It’s about bringing back a moment of culinary joy. This homemade version offers restaurant-quality taste, using simple ingredients and techniques for everyone.

If you love comfort food or want to save money, this recipe is for you. It turns simple ingredients into a special dining experience. Get ready to make your favorite restaurant dish at home.

Key Takeaways

• Learn to create authentic Panera mac and cheese at home
• Discover the secret to a creamy, restaurant-quality cheese sauce
• Master the art of selecting the perfect pasta and cheese
• Save money by preparing your favorite restaurant dish
• Enjoy a delicious comfort food recipe in under 30 minutes

The Secret Behind Panera’s Famous Mac and Cheese

Explore the world of Panera’s famous cheese dishes that have changed comfort food for millions. Their mac and cheese is more than just a dish. It’s a culinary journey that has won the hearts of food lovers everywhere in the United States.

What makes Panera’s mac and cheese special is its unique mix of ingredients and cooking methods. They focus on making a creamy texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

What Makes It Truly Special

Panera’s mac and cheese is unique in several ways:

• They use premium white cheddar cheese from Vermont
• They balance cream and milk perfectly
• They add a secret ingredient: dry mustard powder
• The sauce is always smooth and velvety

Key Flavor Components

“Great mac and cheese is an art form, and Panera has mastered it.” – Culinary Expert

The flavors in their mac and cheese come from a careful choice of ingredients. White cheddar gives it a sharp, tangy taste. Whole milk and heavy cream make it rich. Dry mustard powder adds a subtle depth that balances the richness.

Restaurant vs Homemade Version

Even though Panera uses some frozen methods, making their mac and cheese at home is surprisingly easy. By using high-quality ingredients and following precise cooking steps, you can make it just like Panera.

• Calories in large bowl: Almost 1,000
• Sugar content: 15 grams
• Total fat: 61 grams

Learning the secrets of Panera’s mac and cheese can help you make restaurant-quality comfort food at home.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Panera Mac and Cheese

To make mac and cheese like Panera, start with the right ingredients. Each part of your pasta dish is key to getting that Panera taste.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Choosing the pasta is the first step. For a taste just like Panera, use medium shells. These shells hold the cheese sauce perfectly, making every bite a joy.

• Medium pasta shells (recommended)
• Alternative options: pipette
• Cavatappi as a backup pasta choice

Best Cheese Selection

Vermont cheddar is the main cheese in this recipe. Shredding it fresh makes it melt better than pre-shredded cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese often has additives that mess with the sauce.

Additional Components for Authenticity

To get that creamy texture, you need a few more ingredients:

1. Unsalted butter
2. All-purpose flour
3. Whole milk
4. Heavy cream
5. Kosher salt
6. Dry mustard powder
7. Black pepper

Tip: Use fresh cheese and quality ingredients for the best homemade mac and cheese.

Required Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To make the perfect Panera-style mac and cheese, you need the right kitchen tools. Having the right equipment is key to success. Let’s look at the essential tools for this tasty dish.

Essential Cooking Utensils

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Crucial for even pasta cooking and preventing scorching
• Colander for efficient pasta draining
• Whisk for creating smooth roux and cheese sauce
• Large skillet or saucepan for cheese sauce preparation
• Cheese grater for freshly shredded cheese
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient portioning
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Tool	Purpose	Recommended Brand
Large Pot	Pasta Cooking	All-Clad Stainless Steel
Cheese Grater	Cheese Shredding	Microplane Premium Grater
Whisk	Sauce Mixing	OXO Good Grips

Choose high-quality, durable cooking utensils. Good kitchen tools make your mac and cheese special.

“The right tools can transform a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece.” – Professional Chef

Pro tip: Clean and prepare your cooking utensils before starting. This makes cooking easier and less stressful.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make the perfect Panera-style mac and cheese, you need to follow some key steps. This guide will help you make this beloved dish in your kitchen.

Making the Perfect Roux

Begin by making a smooth roux, the base of creamy mac and cheese. Here’s how:

• Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat
• Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly
• Watch for a golden color and nutty aroma

Creating the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish. Follow these steps for the perfect sauce:

1. Slowly add 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream
2. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and mustard powder
4. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Combining Pasta and Sauce

The last step is to mix everything together. Cook 1 lb of medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it with the cheese sauce, making sure each noodle is well coated.

“The secret to great mac and cheese is patience and quality ingredients.” – Professional Chef

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Pasta	1 lb	Base of the dish
White Cheddar	3 cups	Primary cheese flavor
Heavy Cream	1 cup	Adds richness

Pro Tips for Creamy Mac and Cheese

Making the perfect mac and cheese needs some skill. These tips will make your pasta dish creamy and delicious every time.

Temperature is key for smooth mac and cheese. Use room temperature milk and cream to avoid curdling. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged cheese.

• Pro Tip: Cook your roux until it reaches a light golden color to develop a rich, nutty flavor base
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding milk or cream in small increments
• Taste and season before combining with pasta

Professional chefs have some secrets for creamy pasta. Adding a bit of cream cheese can make it richer. Stir the pasta into the sauce off the heat to keep it silky.

“The key to incredible mac and cheese is in the details” – Professional Chef

Try adding crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or a bit of cayenne pepper. Great mac and cheese is all about the right mix of flavors and textures.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your homemade Panera-style mac and cheese tasty means storing and reheating it right. Learning how to store and reheat your leftovers lets you enjoy a creamy, tasty meal days later.

Proper Food Storage Methods

Here’s how to store your mac and cheese:

• Cool the pasta completely before storing
• Use an airtight container for refrigeration
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months

Effective Reheating Techniques

Reheating pasta needs gentle care to keep it creamy. Here are two ways to do it:

1. Stovetop Method:
   • Heat over low temperature
   • Stir frequently
   • Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess
2. Microwave Method:
   • Reheat in short 30-second intervals
   • Stir between each interval
   • Add milk to prevent drying

Maintaining Sauce Consistency

To keep your mac and cheese creamy, avoid these mistakes:

• Never reheat at high temperatures
• Always add a small amount of liquid
• Reheat only the portion you plan to eat

“The key to perfect leftover mac and cheese is gentle reheating and a little extra moisture.”

By sticking to these storage and reheating tips, your homemade Panera-style mac and cheese will stay delicious.

Conclusion

Making homemade Panera mac and cheese is more than just a recipe. It’s about creating a cozy culinary experience. You get to enjoy top-notch mac and cheese in your kitchen, with full control over what goes in.

Creating this dish is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about finding the right mix of cheese, pasta, and technique. By following this guide, you’ll learn to make a dish that’s both simple and gourmet.

Every time you make mac and cheese, you can try something new. You can mix different cheeses or use different pasta shapes. Your creativity will make your dish stand out.

Now, you have the skills to make amazing mac and cheese that will wow everyone. Start enjoying the process of making this beloved comfort food!

FAQ

What pasta shape is best for Panera-style mac and cheese?

Medium shells are the top choice, just like Panera’s recipe. If you can’t find medium shells, try pipette or cavatappi. The goal is to pick a shape that holds the cheese sauce well.

Why is Vermont white cheddar recommended for this recipe?

Vermont white cheddar, like Cracker Barrel, is key for a true taste. It adds a sharp, tangy flavor, just like Panera’s mac and cheese. This cheese makes the dish’s taste unique.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the recipe?

It’s better to shred cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can mess up the melting. This makes the sauce less smooth.

How long can I store homemade Panera-style mac and cheese?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If freezing, cool it first and store for up to 3 months. Reheat by adding milk or cream to keep it creamy.

What’s the purpose of dry mustard powder in the recipe?

Dry mustard powder adds depth to the mac and cheese. It balances the richness of cheese and milk, giving a tangy flavor.

How can I prevent my mac and cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?

Use room temperature milk and cream to avoid lumps. Whisk constantly while adding the liquid. Cook the roux until it’s golden and smells good.

Can I customize this Panera mac and cheese recipe?

Yes! You can add bacon, breadcrumbs, or other cheeses. Just keep the core flavor and creamy texture in mind.

What’s the best way to reheat mac and cheese?

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often and add milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Source Links

• Panera Mac and Cheese
• Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy Copycat)
• The Worst Secrets Of Panera Bread Exposed – Mashed
• Copy Cat Panera Bread Mac & Cheese