The creamiest, richest homemade white cheddar macaroni and cheese. This is one of Panera's most popular recipes and now you can make a copycat recipe at home!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade mac and cheese, homemade white cheddar macaroni and cheese, panera copycat macaroni and cheese, panera mac and cheese, panera macaroni and cheese
8ouncesWhite American Cheese *(Boar's Head from deli)
1teaspoonSalt
1/2teaspoonPepper
3/4teaspoonDried Mustard
1lb.Pasta(such as orecheiette, macaroni, etc)
Instructions
Heat water in a large pot on high until it reaches boiling point. Generously add salt to the water. Once it begins to boil, add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
As the water is warming up, make the sauce. Heat a pot over medium heat and add butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until a paste forms. Make sure to have the milk nearby because you will want to have it ready. Whisk in milk and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
Slowly add in the chunks of cheese in small increments, whisking after each addition. You don't want to add it in all at once or the mixture may clump. Add in salt, pepper, and dried mustard. Let the cheese melt and once the sauce has thickened, add the drained pasta. Taste for seasonings.
Serve warm.
Notes
** I only use Boar's Head White American Cheese for the deli department. I just ask them for 1/2 lb.