PANERA MAC & CHEESE

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I have been looking for this yummy, very filling recipe and finally found it on a People magazine website. I think it tastes exactly like Panera, especially when reheated. Don't forget to add milk when reheating. I am writing this recipe as published, adding my little notes. Please read my edits before attempting to make this...I copied the recipe as written but I do not put anyour hot sauce in mine. 12/13/11 - I am changing the hot sauce to optional...The second time I made this, my DH put a little more than the 1/4 tsp (probably 1 extra drop) and all you could taste was hot sauce. I started making it without the hot sauce and it's fine. 3/21/16...I looked up this recipe for the milk measurement and the only word I saw was GROSS...lol...anyway...I DO NOT use hot sauce when I make mine...put too much in once and it was gross...when I put the dijon mustard in...I put half the amount in and taste it and go from there...Do not use yellow mustard because it will be tangy.

Provided by Chef Shelby

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk (I used 1% milk)
6 slices American cheese, chopped (I used Land O Lakes white, presliced from the deli)
1 cup extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I used an 8 oz block of Cabot Vermont extra sharp and cut into small pieces for better melting)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used a store brand-start with half the amount and taste as you go)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional-I do not recommend using it. If you add too much then all you taste is the hot sauce)
paprika (optional-I use smoked paprika)

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. (I just used a regular pan) Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from heat.
  • Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  • Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately.

Galaxy Beach
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This recipe is a lifesaver! I'm a busy mom and I don't have a lot of time to cook. This mac and cheese recipe is quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my kids.


Retlile Mathabathe
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I'm not a huge fan of Panera's mac and cheese, but this recipe is pretty good. The cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again.


Kebede Negewo
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This is the best Panera mac and cheese recipe I've found. It's so easy to make and the results are delicious. I love that I can use my favorite cheese blend to make it my own.


Alor Choa
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This recipe was just okay. The cheese sauce was a little bland and the pasta was a bit overcooked. I think I'll try a different recipe next time.


Sheila Giardina
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This is my go-to mac and cheese recipe. It's always a hit with my family and friends. The cheese sauce is so creamy and cheesy, and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


Nareen Adil
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I'm not a big fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind. The cheese sauce was rich and flavorful, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again.


STK_Predator05
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This recipe is a keeper! I made it for my family last night and they loved it. The cheese sauce was so creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Bikram Magar
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This recipe was a disaster. The sauce was too thick and the pasta was overcooked. I followed the recipe exactly, so I'm not sure what went wrong.


Abir hossin Leon
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This is the best mac and cheese recipe I've ever tried. It's so easy to make and the flavor is incredible. I love that I can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I'm ready to eat.


JJ Family
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Just tried this recipe and it turned out amazing! The sauce was velvety smooth and the pasta was cooked just right. Will definitely be making this again.


Qasam Khan
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This Panera mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make, and the results are mind-blowing. The cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. I've made this dish several times no