Do you love mac and cheese? If so, You’ve probably tried Panera Bread’s famous mac and cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy and oh-so-delicious. But What is it that makes Panera mac and cheese So special?
Panera is known most prominently for two things. Their Broccoli Cheddar Soup & their super creamy White Cheddar Mac and cheese.
In this post, We’ll take a closer look at Panera mac and cheese. We’ll discuss the ingredients, the Cooking process & the different ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
We’ll also share Some tips for making your own Panera-style mac and cheese at home.
Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Delicious and comforting food is what Panera Bread is known for, & their mac and cheese is no different. It is sure to impress everyone at the table because it is perfectly baked, creamy, & cheesy.
What is Panera mac and cheese made of?
Pasta, cheese, milk and butter are the basic but delectable ingredients of Panera mac and cheese. After being cooked to al dente, the pasta is combined With a smooth cheese sauce.
American cheese, heavy cream, and white cheddar cheese are combined to make the cheese sauce. In addition, the sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, pepper & salt.
How is Panera mac and cheese made?
Macaroni and cheese at Panera is freshly prepared to order. Boiling water in a big saucepan cooks the pasta. After cooking, the pasta is drained & put into a big bowl.
After that, Pour the cheese sauce over the spaghetti and toss to mix. Next, hot and fresh mac and cheese is served.
Panera White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Set oven temperature to 350 F (175 C).
- Pasta should be cooked as directed on the package. After draining, Set away.
- Melt butter in a big saucepan over a medium heat. Add flour & whisk until smooth.
- Add milk little by little Until the sauce thickens & becomes smooth.
- Add the onion powder, paprika, garlic powder & pepper.
- For five minutes, simmer over low heat.
- Take off the heat and mix in the shredded Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses until they melt & become smooth.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce after adding it.
- Fill a 9 x 13-inch baking dish With the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, Until the top is bubbling & golden brown.
- Chill for five minutes & then serve.
Other Cheese Options
If you want to use a variety of cheeses to Change up the flavor of this dish, the following cheese Combinations are great in macaroni and cheese.
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
- Mild Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Gruyere
Adding Hot Sauce to Mac & Cheese
One of the best ways to give Your favorite comfort food some spice & flavor is to add hot sauce to mac & cheese.
To taste, add additional spicy sauce after starting with less. Since the intensity of heat in hot sauces varies, It’s best to start a little & taste it. Later on, You may always add more.
Select a hot sauce that accentuates the flavors of the other ingredients in Your mac and cheese. For instance, You might want to go for a spicy sauce With a fruity or smoky flavor If you’re creating a mac and cheese with a lot of cheese.
Choose a spicy sauce with a savory flavor If you’re creating a mac and cheese with a lot of meat.
Before baking, mix the spicy sauce into the mac and cheese sauce. This will facilitate the blending of flavors & result in a more harmonious dish.
You may want to drizzle the hot sauce over each bowl of mac and cheese rather than the entire dish If you’re feeding it to kids.
What to Add to Mac and Cheese
These options will take any macaroni and cheese to the next level!
Bacon, Ham, Pulled Pork, Sausage, Buffalo Chicken, Kielbasa, Lobster, BBQ Chicken, Hot Dogs
Broccoli, Mushrooms, Peas, Corn, Spinach, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Caramelized Onions, Chili
How to enjoy Panera mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese from Panera is a tasty & adaptable dish. It goes well with many different foods or can be consumed on Its own.
For instance, Macaroni and cheese from Panera is a well-liked side for sandwiches & soups. It can be served as a main course as well, particularly for little diners.
Here are some suggestions for savoring Mac & Cheese from Panera.
Serve Panera mac and cheese as a side dish. with your preferred sandwich or soup. For instance, Panera’s mac & cheese is a delectable accompaniment to grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup & chicken noodle soup.
As a main course: Panera mac & cheese is a good option, Especially for little ones. For instance, You may serve fruit or steaming veggies alongside Panera mac & cheese.
Toppings: A wide range of items, including chopped green onions, crumbled bacon & shredded cheddar cheese, can be added to Panera mac and cheese.
Panera mac and cheese Nutrition Value
| Panera mac and cheese | Nutrition |
|---|---|
| Calories | 588 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 21g |
| Cholesterol | 107mg |
| Sodium | 576mg |
| Potassium | 271mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 1138 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 407mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
How to Storing Leftovers Panera mac and cheese
To store leftover Panera mac and cheese, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container & place it in the refrigerator. It will keep For up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, Until heated through.
You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, Until heated through.
Conclusion For Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
I hope this lesson on Panera mac & cheese was enjoyable for you. I hope you found this post useful & educational. We appreciate you taking the time to read this & discover more about this delectable recipe.
Feel free to leave a comment below If you have any further queries concerning Panera mac and cheese.
Alternatively, do share your personal mac and cheese recipe With us if you have one! Tell us about your thoughts on Panera’s Macaroni & Cheese!
Thank you again for reading!
FAQs About Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
How many calories are in Panera Mac and Cheese?
560 calories, 34 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbs & 29 grams of Protein are found in one serving of Panera Macaroni and Cheese.
Is Panera Mac and Cheese healthy?
A reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat macaroni & low-fat or fat-free milk and cream can all help make Panera Mac and Cheese a healthier alternative. Adding vegetables, Such as broccoli, peas, or carrots, can help make it healthier.
Can I eat Panera Mac and Cheese on a diet?
Yes, you may have Panera Macaroni & Cheese while on a diet, but only in small amounts. To maintain a balanced diet, It’s critical to select different healthful foods throughout the day.
Can I make Panera Mac and Cheese at home?
You can indeed prepare Panera Macaroni & Cheese at home. Cookbooks & the internet offer a wide variety of recipes.
What are some variations on Panera Mac and Cheese?
- To the mac and cheese, Add cooked bacon, ham, or chicken.
- Toss in some chopped broccoli, peas, or carrots With the mac and cheese.
- Try using a different kind of cheese, Like Parmesan, Swiss, or Gruyère.
- For an extra taste boost, mix in some spicy sauce or Dijon mustard with the mac and cheese.
- Add bread crumbs to the mac and cheese & bake until golden brown.
What are some popular side dishes for Panera Mac and Cheese?
- Salads
- Soups
- Sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables
- Fruit