Panera Mac and Cheese copy cat recipe

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Panera Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce box, Medium Pasta Shells
• 1/4 cup, Butter
• 1/2 cup, All-Purpose Flour
• 2 1/2 cups, Milk (2% or whole)
• 6 slices, White American Cheese (chopped)
• 8 ounces, Extra-Sharp White Vermont Cheddar (shredded)
• 1/2 Tbsp, Creamy Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp, Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp, Hot Sauce

Panera Mac and Cheese Directions

1. Prepare the pasta according to the directions on the box.
2. Melt the butter over low heat in a medium sauce pan. Add in the flour to make a roux, whisking constantly. Cook about 1 minute before whisking in the milk. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat.
3. Whisk in the seasonings (mustard, salt, hot sauce). Add in the cheeses using a spatula or wooden spoon until the sauce is smooth.
4. Fold in the pasta until it’s heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Oh, and if you're thinking about skipping that hot sauce or mustard, don't do it. Just don't. Those are the secrets to making this have that extra tangy sharpness that takes this recipe to the next level. Trust me on this one!