White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat)
Discover the comforting delight of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat) — a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that brings the café experience right into your kitchen. This simple yet indulgent recipe features just six key ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a cozy night in, this mac and cheese is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its luscious white cheddar sauce clinging to every bite of tender pasta, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipette pasta (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 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. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the warm half & half until smooth, cooking until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and salt until smooth.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, letting it soak for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg