Are you a fan of Panera Bread’s creamy and indulgent mac and cheese? Do you wish you could recreate that delicious dish at home? Look no further! In this article, we will share the recipe for Panera mac and cheese, so you can enjoy this comforting dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
When it comes to mac and cheese, Panera Bread has a reputation for serving up a rich, creamy, and perfectly textured dish. The secret lies in their unique blend of cheeses and the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will help you achieve that same mouthwatering result.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Panera mac and cheese:
– 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
– 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 3 cups of whole milk
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder
– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (for topping)
Now, let’s dive into the recipe:
1.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined, creating a roux.
4.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reaches a smooth consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and well combined.
6.
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
7.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
9.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a pat of butter if desired.
Now that you have the recipe for Panera mac and cheese, you can enjoy this delicious dish whenever you want. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this homemade version will satisfy your taste buds and bring a touch of Panera Bread to your home.
