White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in the creamy comfort of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a delightful dish that brings the beloved café experience right to your kitchen. This easy recipe features a rich, homemade cheese sauce crafted from just six simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy velvety pasta enveloped in a luscious white cheddar sauce, sure to satisfy every cheesy craving. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins or serve it alongside grilled proteins for a complete meal. This comforting classic is kid-friendly and will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta (or any small 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 pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (but not boiling).
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat, then whisk in flour for 2 minutes. Gradually add warm half & half while whisking until smooth; cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and salt until melted and creamy.
- Mix in the drained pasta until well coated; serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg