Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a dish that brings the comforting flavors of your favorite café right to your kitchen. With only six simple ingredients, this mac and cheese recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. The velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta, making it an irresistible treat. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of cheesy delight that’s quick, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 10 ounces shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat half & half until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, heat it in a small saucepan on low.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened.
- Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheese and salt until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring well for one to two minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg