White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat) recipe. This creamy, dreamy dish features a rich white cheddar cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, delivering a delightful experience for both kids and adults. With just six simple ingredients, you can whip up this delectable meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve it alongside your favorite proteins or veggies, or enjoy it on its own for a warm and satisfying treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette 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 pipette pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the warm half & half while whisking to eliminate lumps. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and salt until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 765mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg