Craving a creamy, cheesy delight that rivals your favorite café's mac and cheese? Look no further! This Copycat Panera Mac n Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this indulgent dish that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients, you'll discover how easy it is to recreate that rich, velvety goodness right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and starts to shimmer.
- Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Drain cooked macaroni thoroughly in a colander, then return pasta to the pot.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every pasta piece is coated evenly.
- Let the mac and cheese sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to set and thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or paprika if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the best flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a rich taste that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a twist!
- Don’t Rush the Roux: When making the roux, be sure to whisk continuously and allow it to cook for a minute or two. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and lump-free cheese sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a gourmet touch, consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even a sprinkle of truffle oil before serving. These additions can elevate your mac and cheese to a whole new level!
- Let It Rest: After mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and adhere better to the pasta, resulting in a creamier dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: A light dusting of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.With these tips in hand, you're ready to create a delicious Copycat Panera Mac n Cheese that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
