Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panera Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly cheesy. This homemade version captures the same smooth, velvety texture and sharp white cheddar flavor you love from the restaurant. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or quick lunches.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

white cheddar cheesebuttermilkwhole milksaltbutterflourmacaroni (elbow pasta)Dijon mustardhot sauce (optional for a slight kick)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.

Slowly add the whole milk and buttermilk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard and a dash of hot sauce if using.

Add the shredded white cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Fold in the cooked macaroni and stir to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.

Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for added depth.

Add cooked bacon or grilled chicken for a protein boost.

Mix in sautéed broccoli or spinach for a veggie-packed version.

Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What kind of cheese is best?

Sharp white cheddar is key for the classic Panera flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but the buttermilk adds a slight tang and creaminess that enhances the flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add the optional hot sauce—it’s kid-friendly as is.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with added milk and stir well.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

Make sure the sauce isn’t too hot when adding the cheese—gentle heat ensures smoothness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells or cavatappi also work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—it scales well for a crowd.

Is it good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and stays creamy with a little added milk.

Does this taste exactly like Panera’s?

It’s very close! Freshly grated cheese and quality ingredients are key.

Conclusion

Panera Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or looking for the perfect comfort dish, this recipe delivers the same indulgent experience right from your kitchen. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to mac and cheese recipe.

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