Randy Chandler
Panera Bread offers macaroni and cheese, which has become a popular menu item. The dish consists of tender shell pasta in a creamy cheese sauce made with white cheddar cheese. While some customers find the portion size too small for the price, others enjoy the taste and consider it a satisfying option. Panera's mac and cheese can be ordered in-store or purchased from retailers like Target for consumption at home. The dish can also be customised with toppings such as bacon and crushed Ritz crackers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasta Type | Shell Pasta, Elbow Macaroni, Pipette Rigate |
| Cheese Type | White Cheddar, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread, Cheddar |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Flour, Milk, Heavy Cream, Mustard, Salt, Hot Sauce |
| Toppings | Crushed Ritz Crackers, Panko Breadcrumbs, Bacon |
| Calories | 588kcal |
| Price | $10-12 |
| Serving Suggestions | Side Salad, Chili Cheese Dogs |
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What You'll Learn
Panera Mac & Cheese recipe
Ingredients
- Pasta (Lumaconi, medium shells, elbow macaroni, or Cavatappi)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (whole milk or 2% milk)
- Cheese (extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, white American cheese, or a variety of cheeses of your choice)
- Mustard (optional)
- Salt
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Broccoli florets (optional)
- Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, boiling it for 2-3 minutes less than al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
- Slowly whisk in milk and continue cooking over medium heat, whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mac and cheese is warmed through.
- Serve immediately. For a crunchy topping, you can bake it with crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs.
Tips
- Shred the cheese from a block and allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce for the creamiest consistency.
- The hot sauce enhances the flavor of the cheese without making the dish spicy.
- You can add steamed broccoli florets for broccoli mac and cheese.
- For a baked version, use 3/4 lb. of pasta and combine it with the cheese sauce in a lightly greased casserole dish. Top with crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate upon reheating.
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Panera Mac & Cheese ingredients
Panera Mac & Cheese is a creamy and rich dish made with a blend of cooked pasta and a signature cheese sauce. The cooked pasta is made with semolina wheat flour, egg whites, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. The cheese sauce is a blend of cheddar cheese, water, whey, milk fat, sodium citrate, modified food starch, salt, lactic acid, and enzymes. The sauce also contains white cheddar cheese, soybean oil, butter, dried dairy cream, sea salt, corn starch, wheat flour, nonfat dry milk, and whey protein concentrate.
The dish is often paired with a side salad, but Panera has also created variations by combining it with chorizo sausage and other southwestern ingredients for a spicy take. Some other ingredients that pair well with Panera's Mac & Cheese include bacon, ham, pulled pork, sausage, buffalo chicken, and broccoli.
To prepare the dish, the pasta is boiled for 1 minute less than al dente and combined with the cheese sauce. It can be served directly from the stovetop or baked in the oven. When baked, the dish is typically topped with crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs and baked at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. It is then allowed to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
The dish can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for 1-2 days. It can be reheated in a slow cooker on low heat for 2 hours or baked in the oven.
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Panera Mac & Cheese reviews
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese is a popular menu item, featuring shell pasta in a creamy cheese sauce made with white cheddar cheese. While some reviewers have criticised the portion size and pricing, others have praised the taste, texture, and indulgence of the dish.
One reviewer on Reddit noted that the portion size of the dish was too small, especially for the price, which they felt was too high. They suggested that a larger portion would be more appropriate for the cost. However, another reviewer on the same platform expressed their preference for the taste of Panera's Mac & Cheese, describing it as "pretty good" and recommending the addition of bacon bits for an enhanced flavour experience.
A review on CheesyNotSleazy.com raves about the dish, describing the cheese sauce as velvety and gooey, complementing the shells of pasta. The reviewer also mentions the baguette as an excellent side for dipping into the leftover sauce. This review highlights the indulgent nature of the dish, suggesting that it is a comforting and satisfying choice.
Another review on EatThis.com compares the Mac & Cheese at Panera to that of other fast-food chains, concluding that Panera's version stands out due to its rich and creamy texture, well-cooked noodles, and the bonus of scorched cheese spread throughout the dish. The reviewer particularly notes the heightened level of richness and the three-cheese flavour depth, which contributes to its top ranking among the options available.
A recipe for a copycat version of Panera's Mac & Cheese on TheCozyCook.com instructs readers on how to recreate the dish at home, indicating that it is a popular item that people want to replicate. The recipe includes instructions for baking the macaroni and cheese, as well as suggestions for delicious additions such as bacon, crushed Ritz crackers, and hot sauce to enhance the flavour.
Overall, the reviews for Panera's Mac & Cheese suggest that it is a well-loved and indulgent dish, with a creamy texture and satisfying flavour that keeps customers coming back for more. While there are some criticisms regarding portion sizes and pricing, the taste and texture seem to be the focal points of praise among reviewers.
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Panera Mac & Cheese portion size
Panera Bread offers a range of portion sizes for its Mac & Cheese, a popular menu item. While the specific quantities are not publicly available, Panera Mac & Cheese is available in at least two sizes: small and large.
The small portion typically contains upwards of 450 calories, while the large portion can contain 700+ calories. It is worth noting that the large portion has been described as appearing small, with some customers commenting that it seems similar in size to the kids' portion.
The Mac & Cheese is made with a blend of cooked pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, which includes white cheddar cheese. This rich and creamy dish is often paired with a side salad or enjoyed as a side dish itself.
In addition to the classic Mac & Cheese, Panera offers variations such as the Broccoli Mac, which includes vegetables, and a spicy version with chorizo sausage and other southwestern ingredients. Customers can also add toppings such as crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting main course or a indulgent side, Panera's Mac & Cheese is a popular choice for customers seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Panera Mac & Cheese price
Panera Bread offers macaroni and cheese, also known as Panera Mac & Cheese, on its menu. This creamy and rich mac & cheese is a fan favorite and is made with a blend of creamy cheese sauce and white cheddar cheese. While the price of Panera Mac & Cheese may vary depending on the location and portion size, there have been reports of a small Panera Mac & Cheese costing around $8. This price point has sparked discussions among customers, with some considering it expensive and expressing disappointment over the value it offers.
The high price of Panera Mac & Cheese has been attributed to various factors, including inflation, the cost of ingredients, labor expenses, and operational costs such as rent and utilities. Some customers have also attributed the price to corporate greed, suggesting that Panera maintains high prices because they know their customers will pay for their products regardless.
Despite the criticism regarding pricing, Panera Mac & Cheese remains a popular menu item. It is described as having a creamy texture and a blend of flavors that create a satisfying dining experience. The dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad for a more complete meal. Additionally, Panera offers variations of their mac & cheese, such as adding chorizo sausage and other southwestern ingredients for a spicy twist.
While the $8 price tag for a small portion may be off-putting to some, others find it convenient for a quick meal or a treat. It's worth noting that Panera also offers discounts and promotions, which can make their products more affordable. Additionally, customers can choose to dine in or take advantage of Panera's takeout and delivery options, providing flexibility in enjoying their favorite mac & cheese.
In conclusion, while the price of Panera Mac & Cheese may be a topic of discussion among customers, it remains a signature dish that satisfies the cravings of many. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and optional add-ons, it continues to be a go-to choice for those seeking a comforting and indulgent meal, whether it's an occasional treat or a regular indulgence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Panera Bread offers macaroni and cheese.
The dish contains cooked pasta and a cheese sauce made from cheddar cheese, milk, heavy cream, and other ingredients.
You can buy it directly from Panera Bread or from other retailers such as Target.
