White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in a creamy, rich White Cheddar Mac and Cheese inspired by your favorite Panera dish. This easy recipe features just six ingredients, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner or a cozy night in. The luscious white cheddar sauce perfectly coats al dente pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade version of this classic comfort food in no time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta (or any 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 the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat half & half until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the warm half & half while whisking to create a smooth sauce; cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese and salt until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 772
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 853mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 31g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 132mg