White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in the creamy comfort of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This easy-to-make dish features rich white cheddar cheese, delivering a luxurious flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. With only six simple ingredients, you can whip up this irresistible mac and cheese in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Serve it as a main course or pair it with fresh vegetables and proteins for a balanced meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the warm half & half until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat, add shredded white cheddar cheese and salt, stirring until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce; mix well and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg