Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting delight of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat). This easy-to-follow recipe brings the beloved café favorite right to your dinner table with just six simple ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a rich cheese sauce that perfectly coats pasta, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Whether served as a main course or a side, this versatile mac and cheese is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Elevate your meal by pairing it with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, or crusty bread for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipettes (or small pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 10 ounces white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar and salt until melted.
- Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg