How do You make panera mac and cheese?

How Do You Make Panera Mac and Cheese?

Panera Mac and Cheese, the creamy, cheesy, comfort food that has become a staple on many of our menus. But, have you ever wondered what goes into making this delightful dish? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to uncover the secrets behind Panera Mac and Cheese, and guide you on how to make it at home.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make Panera-style Mac and Cheese. Here’s a list of the essential items:

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

The first step in making Panera Mac and Cheese is to cook the macaroni. Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the macaroni and cook until it’s al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, creating a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown.

Next, add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and whisk to combine.

Now, slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

It’s time to add the cheese to the sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until they’re fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Now it’s time to combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.

Step 5: Serve

The final step is to serve your Panera Mac and Cheese. Transfer the macaroni to a serving dish and top with additional grated cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you perfect your Panera Mac and Cheese:

• Add some spice: Consider adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give your mac and cheese a spicy kick.
• Get creative with the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Add some protein: Mix in some cooked bacon, chicken, or ham to make your mac and cheese a more substantial meal.
• Try different pasta shapes: While macaroni is traditional, you can also use other shapes like elbow macaroni or shells to change up the texture.

Table of Ingredients

Here is a table of the ingredients needed to make Panera Mac and Cheese:

By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you’ll be able to make a delicious Panera-style Mac and Cheese at home. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a creamy, cheesy comfort food, try making it yourself!