Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Made with just six simple ingredients, this comforting meal is perfect for hectic weeknights or cozy family dinners. The rich, velvety cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked pasta, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that both kids and adults will love. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, you can enhance it with proteins like grilled chicken or veggies for a complete meal. Skip the boxed versions and treat yourself to this homemade comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipettes (or small pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 10 ounces white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese and salt until melted.
- Combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat evenly. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg