How To Make Mac And Cheese From Panera Bread

Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese: A Culinary Masterpiece

I’ll never forget my first bite of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese. It was a cold winter day, and I had just finished a long shift at the hospital. I was exhausted and craving comfort food. As I took that first bite, a wave of warm, cheesy goodness washed over me. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the cheese sauce was creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. I was instantly hooked.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that same culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen. After countless experiments, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that comes pretty darn close to the real thing. So if you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese, or if you’re just looking for a delicious and comforting dish, read on!

The Secret to Perfect Mac and Cheese

The secret to making the perfect mac and cheese is all in the cheese sauce. You want a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and not too thick or thin. The best way to achieve this is to use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan. The cheddar cheese will give your sauce a sharp, tangy flavor, while the Gruyere cheese will add a nutty, complex flavor. The Parmesan cheese will help to thicken the sauce and give it a rich, umami flavor.

Another important factor in making the perfect mac and cheese is the pasta. You want to use a pasta that’s small and has a lot of surface area, such as elbow macaroni or penne. This will help the sauce to cling to the pasta and create a satisfying bite.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese

To make Panera Bread’s mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until the flour is golden brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese

Here are a few tips for making the best mac and cheese:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Cook the macaroni al dente, or slightly undercooked.
• Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy.
• Don’t overcook the mac and cheese.
• Serve the mac and cheese immediately.

By following these tips, you can make a mac and cheese that is sure to impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

FAQ About Mac and Cheese

Here are some frequently asked questions about mac and cheese:

1. What is the best type of pasta for mac and cheese?

The best type of pasta for mac and cheese is a small pasta with a lot of surface area, such as elbow macaroni or penne.

2. What is the best type of cheese for mac and cheese?

The best type of cheese for mac and cheese is a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.

3. How do I make mac and cheese creamy?

To make mac and cheese creamy, use a combination of different cheeses and cook the sauce until it is thick and smooth.

4. How do I prevent mac and cheese from being watery?

To prevent mac and cheese from being watery, make sure the sauce is thick and creamy before adding the pasta. You can also use a pasta that is slightly undercooked.

5. How do I reheat mac and cheese?

To reheat mac and cheese, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my recipe for Panera Bread’s mac and cheese. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

And now, the question I’ve been waiting to ask: are you ready to make the best mac and cheese of your life? I sure hope so!