How to Make Mac and Cheese from Panera Bread
Are you a fan of Panera Bread’s creamy and indulgent mac and cheese? Do you wish you could recreate that delicious dish at home? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Panera Bread’s famous mac and cheese from scratch. With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen know-how, you’ll be able to enjoy this comforting dish in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
To make your own Panera Bread-style mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of elbow macaroni (or any other pasta shape of your choice)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 cups of whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.
In a separate saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
4.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to simmer. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
7.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
8.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and melted butter over the top for added texture and crunch. If desired, you can also sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Panera Bread mac and cheese with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
Now you can enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!
