Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting delight of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat). This homemade version brings together just six simple ingredients to create a rich cheese sauce that rivals your favorite café dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this mac and cheese is not only quick to make but also irresistibly delicious. With its luxuriously cheesy texture and versatility, it can be served as a main course or side dish. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with proteins and vegetables, this recipe promises to please even the pickiest eaters. Try it today for an ultimate comfort food experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipettes or 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 pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain well.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese and salt until fully melted.
- Fold in drained pasta and mix thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg