Panera White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Copycat

I do not eat at Panera often but when I do I always enjoy the food and drinks. So when I saw a copycat recipe for one of their dishes it seemed like it would be worth trying, even though I already have quite a few mac and cheese recipes. Can you really ever have too many different kinds of mac and cheese recipes?

This recipe did not disappoint, it was creamy, cheesy and delicious. Now I have to admit I have never actual eaten Panera's White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, but I may have to next time I eat there.

Panera White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Copycat

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 16 ounces cavatappi pasta

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. In a large pot, over medium high heat, melt the butter.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and slowly add in the milk and heavy cream, whisking the entire time.
5. Add in the black pepper and ground mustard. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to bubble up.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add in the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until well mixed and then remove from the heat.
8. Let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.

Enjoy!!!

Serves: 8 (as a side dish)
Calories: 704
Total Fat: 47.2g
   Saturated: 29.5g
   Polyunsaturated: 1.1g
   Monounsaturated: 8g
   Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 158.1mg
Sodium: 399.5mg
Potassium: 163.2mg
Total Carbs: 52.1g
   Dietary Fiber: 2.2g
   Sugars: 3.7g
Protein: 23.8g
Vitamin A: 33.2%
Vitamin C: 1.1%
Calcium: 47.9%
Iron: 10.2%
*The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the brands you use.
*Adapted from Shurgary Sweets.