This copycat Panera Mac and Cheese tastes just like the stuff you buy in the famous bakery but is easy to make at home and only requires one pan!
So, let’s just start this by saying that our Panera Bread has a drive-thru.
It’s bad for my wallet. I don’t like fast-food, but I like food to be fast. Especially with two kids and there is NO way I’m getting out of the car with both kids to grab food. Forget that, I’d rather go home.
So Panera’s drive-thru is both the answer to my prayers and a huge nightmare. But it’s mostly a good thing.
And their mac and cheese! Oh my, their mac and cheese. It is soooo good. Ultra creamy and so amazingly delicious. I usually order it for E but I always snag a bite or two before giving it to her. Don’t tell!
What makes this recipe great is not only the fact that it is creamy and amazing just like the stuff you get at Panera, but this mac and cheese is made in one pan and one pan only. It cooks in the milk for a super creamy and thick texture.
You’ll want to use a really good, high quality white cheddar for this macaroni and cheese. And in my opinion, the sharper the better. And keep stirring. The whole time. It’s important to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Save yourself some money and enjoy this copycat Panera mac and cheese at home!
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese (one pan!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
- 2 and 1/2 cups whole milk (MUST be WHOLE milk for this recipe to work)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup freshly grated extra sharp white cheddar (4 ounces) – do not use pre-grated
Instructions
- Rinse uncooked pasta under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, pasta, salt, mustard and butter. Stir frequently and bring to a simmer. Reduce to low. Stir frequently (almost continually) for 15-20 minutes while pasta cooks and milk is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and cover for 5 minutes. Enjoy immediately (not good reheated — gets grainy).
Notes
- Using store-bought grated cheese instead of freshly grated cheese could cause this recipe to fail because of the additives (anti-clumping agents) in grated cheese.
- Using milk that has a lower fat percentage than whole milk will also likely cause this recipe to fail and the milk to curdle.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
That sounds delicious! Low calorie? I think I’m going to have to try it :)
This mac & cheese looks amazing! I’ve never had it from Panera, but I’m sure this is much better.
Super creamy mac & cheese AND a one pot meal…sold!
My kids hate mac and cheese. I thought of disowning them… but then I’m reminded that just means I get the entire batch when I make it. Totally gonna have to make this (all for me!)
Your Panera Bread has a drive-thru??? I would be a goner if that was the case. Love this Mac and Cheese – so crazy simple, and the melty cheese. I die. Thanks for hosting. You nailed it!
Whoo-hoo!!! Love this Rachel! And thanks so much for putting this cheese-fest mania together!!!
I LOVE Panera’s mac & cheese! I always snag a couple bites before giving it to my kids too! And drive-thru is the ONLY way to go, totally agree. Love this!
You had me at one-pan. No, mac and cheese. No, just cheese.
In any case, I WANT.
Your Panera has a drive-thru?!?! I would be getting this mac and cheese all the time! So tempting. Now I’m in London though, and Panera mac n cheese is no where to be found, so I NEED to make this! Major craving for it after reading this post :) yummy! Pinned.
I love one pot mac and cheese and really who doesn’t steal their kids food?