Panera Mac & Cheese
I have been looking for this yummy, very filling recipe and finally found it on a People magazine website. I think it tastes exactly like Panera, especially when reheated. Don't forget to add milk when reheating. I am writing this recipe as published, adding my little notes. Please read my edits before attempting to make this...I copied the recipe as written but I do not put anyour hot sauce in mine. 12/13/11 - I am changing the hot sauce to optional...The second time I made this, my DH put a little more than the 1/4 tsp (probably 1 extra drop) and all you could taste was hot sauce. I started making it without the hot sauce and it's fine. 3/21/16...I looked up this recipe for the milk measurement and the only word I saw was GROSS...lol...anyway...I DO NOT use hot sauce when I make mine...put too much in once and it was gross...when I put the dijon mustard in...I put half the amount in and taste it and go from there...Do not use yellow mustard because it will be tangy.
INGREDIENTS
Nutrition- 1(16 ounce) package small shell pasta
- 1⁄4cup butter
- 1⁄3
- 2 1⁄2
- 6
- 1cup extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I used an 8 oz block of Cabot Vermont extra sharp and cut into small pieces for better melting)
- 1
- 1teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⁄4teaspoon hot sauce (optional-I do not recommend using it. If you add too much then all you taste is the hot sauce)
-
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. (I just used a regular pan) Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from heat.
- Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately.