This Copycat Panera's Mac and Cheese is, in my family's opinion, even better than Panera. It's smooth and creamy with a heavenly texture, thanks to a secret ingredient— Velveeta, but just a very small amount. I promise you, people will go nuts for this Mac & Cheese. Just don't mention the V-word. It'll be our little secret.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8(1-cup servings)
Calories: 655kcal
Cost: $7
Ingredients
1poundpasta,cavatappi, elbow, shells
¼cupbutter
¼cupall-purpose flour
1cupevaporated milk,or any milk except skim
2cupsheavy cream
8ouncessharp white cheddar, shreddedSee NOTE 1
2ouncesVelveeta, cubed
½teaspoonsalt,more or less to taste
½teaspoonblack pepper,ditto
1teaspoondry mustard powder
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions making sure to salt the water. Retain about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Set a large pot over medium high heat. Add butter and allow to completely melt. Add the flour and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated. Cook for one full minute.
Reduce the temperature to medium. Pour in the milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce temperature to Low and add the grated white cheddar and Velveeta cheeses. Stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Add the cooked pasta, gently stirring until combined.
Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes, as it thickens. If it gets too thick, return to Low heat, adding pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time while stirring gently until it is just perfect. Taste to check for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper as desired.
Enjoy!
Notes
I use Costco's English Coastal Cheddar, but any good, sharp white cheddar will do.