White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat) is a comforting, creamy dish that captures the delicious flavors of your favorite café right in your kitchen. With just six key ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The velvety white cheddar cheese creates a rich sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta, making it an instant favorite among both kids and adults. This delightful mac and cheese can be served as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side, ensuring it will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta (or other 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 according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (not boiling).
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking to avoid lumps; cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar cheese and salt until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce; stir for about one minute before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg