White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a comforting dish that brings café-style flavors right to your kitchen. This easy recipe requires just six ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family lunches. The velvety white cheddar cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delightful meal that both kids and adults will adore. Whether served as a side dish or the main event, this mac and cheese is versatile enough to pair with proteins or fresh veggies. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of rich comfort food that you’ll want to make time and again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 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 shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pipettes, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half: Warm in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan until hot but not boiling.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot over low heat, melt butter, whisk in flour for about 2 minutes, then gradually add warm half & half while whisking until thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar and salt until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring for a minute or two. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg