Panera’s white cheddar macaroni and cheese is an indulgent and comforting dish that is sure to please. This classic dish is made with elbow macaroni and creamy white cheddar cheese sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of butter, flour, white cheddar cheese, and milk or cream. This combination of ingredients creates a creamy and decadent cheese sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly. White cheddar macaroni and cheese can be enjoyed as a main dish or side dish. Whether you are looking for a comforting family meal or a dish to bring to a potluck, this classic dish is sure to be a hit.
Note: Don’t use individually wrapped slices of American cheese, get it from the deli, it’s smoother when melting. For the white cheddar, get a good block of NY or Vermont aged, it can be more than 8oz. Again, this makes a difference.
Ingredients
1 16oz package of medium shell pasta
1/4 Cup butter
1/4 Cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 Cups milk
6 Slices white American cheese
8oz extra-sharp white cheddar, grated
Optional:
1tsp Dijon mustard
1/4tsp Hot sauce
Method
Prepare pasta according to package, drain and set aside.
Grate the white cheddar. I find it easier if you grate it onto the slices of American cheese, spread onto a plate, so it comes off the plate better
Melt butter over medium heat, add flour, cook and whisk for 1 minute so the mixture doesn’t burn.
Whisk in the milk, cook over medium heat, whisking often so the mixture doesn’t burn, or boil over.
When the mixture has come to a soft boil and has thickened, add the cheeses and whisk until melted and very smooth. This is where you would add mustard and/or hot sauce if desired.
Stir in the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Serve immediately.
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