Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese features creamy, rich cheddar cheese blended with tender elbow macaroni, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting and indulgent classic dish.
Equipments
- Large saucepan
- Medium pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Cheese grater
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Choosing sharp white cheddar cheese is essential for achieving the rich and creamy texture that defines Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese. Whole milk provides the perfect balance of creaminess without overpowering the dish, so avoid using lower-fat alternatives. Using a combination of white and yellow cheddar cheeses enhances the depth of flavor and produces a more visually appealing dish. The panko breadcrumbs combined with melted butter create the golden, crispy topping that adds a delightful crunch. Your homemade Panera Bread Mac & Cheese will replicate the comforting and indulgent experience of the original recipe.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in a medium pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain using a colander.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in 4 cups whole milk, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; whisk to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar and 2 cups shredded yellow cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce; mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly coated.
- Transfer mac & cheese mixture into a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac & cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until topping is golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese copycat menu replicates the creamy, cheddar-rich flavor and tender elbow macaroni that defines the restaurant's classic comfort food. If sharp white or yellow cheddar cheese is not available, you can substitute with a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. When preparing the breadcrumb topping, panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy crust, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if panko is unavailable, though the texture will be denser. Whole milk is preferred to achieve a rich and creamy sauce, but you may replace it with 2% milk for a lighter version without significantly compromising creaminess. Your oven should be fully preheated and maintained at the correct temperature to ensure the topping turns golden and crispy without overcooking the pasta.
Tips
Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking. When whisking the flour and butter mixture, cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth cheese sauce once milk is added gradually. Use a mix of sharp white and yellow cheddar cheese for a balanced flavor and melt them fully off the heat to prevent sauce separation. Your breadcrumb topping should combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese for optimal golden crispiness during the 20-25 minute bake.
Nutritions
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese provides a substantial source of protein and calcium primarily from its two types of cheddar cheeses and whole milk, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. The dish contains a high amount of calories and saturated fat due to the combination of butter, cheese, and creamy sauce, making it more suitable for indulgent meals rather than daily consumption. Carbohydrates are supplied by elbow macaroni and panko breadcrumbs, offering energy but also contributing to the overall calorie count. Your intake should be balanced with vegetables or lean proteins to create a more nutritionally complete meal.
Storage
Store your Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it is cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation and bacterial growth. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheddar flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a twist on your mac & cheese, swap the white cheddar for Gruyere or smoked Gouda to add a nutty, rich flavor. You can also mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sauteed mushrooms for extra texture and depth. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a topping for a different crunch. To enhance creaminess, substitute half the whole milk with heavy cream or stir in a dollop of cream cheese before baking.
Allergies
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese, whole milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The presence of all-purpose flour introduces gluten, posing a risk for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your understanding of these ingredients is crucial if you have food allergies to ensure safe consumption.
Why this recipe?
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese is acclaimed for its creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor that perfectly balances sharp cheese with a smooth sauce. The dish uses high-quality cheeses like Vermont white cheddar and a blend of other artisanal cheeses, making it stand out from typical mac and cheese recipes. You'll find its comforting taste and consistency ideal for satisfying cravings or enjoying as a hearty meal, which is why many seek to recreate it at home. Attempting a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while replicating the beloved Panera experience affordably.