White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat) right in your own kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe features just six key ingredients, allowing you to whip up a rich cheese sauce that evokes the beloved flavors of Panera’s classic dish. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a quick lunch, this mac and cheese will satisfy your cravings with its velvety texture and delightful taste. Serve it as a standalone meal or enhance it with fresh herbs or proteins for a balanced dining experience. Try this deliciously simple recipe today!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta (or other small 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 pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (not boiling).
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking constantly until smooth; cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, mix in cheese and salt until melted and smooth.
- Stir in cooked pasta, combining well to coat with sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg