Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Panera Copycat), a delightful dish that brings the café experience right to your home. This easy-to-make recipe requires just six simple ingredients, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta, creating a comforting meal that both kids and adults will love. Whether served as a main course or side dish, this mac and cheese pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the flavors of your favorite café with this satisfying and budget-friendly comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pipettes (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 pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Heat half & half in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm half & half while whisking to eliminate lumps; cook until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese and salt until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well for one to two minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg