Patrick Oconnell
Panera's Mac and Cheese is a popular menu item, known for its creamy texture and white cheddar flavour. The dish consists of tender shell pasta smothered in a blend of creamy cheese sauce and white cheddar cheese. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, many have attempted to recreate it at home, with some claiming to have replicated the taste and texture of the original. The key to achieving the signature creaminess appears to lie in using block cheese and shredding it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that affect its melting properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Extra sharp white cheddar, White cheddar, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread, American cheese |
| Pasta | Shells, Lumaconi, Elbow macaroni, Cavatappi, Pipette rigate |
| Seasoning | Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Hot sauce |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Flour, Milk, Heavy cream, Broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
- Panera's Mac & Cheese uses extra sharp white cheddar cheese
- It also includes American cheese for creaminess
- The pasta used is Lumaconi, or shells, elbow macaroni, and Cavatappi
- The sauce includes butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper
- The recipe can be made in a slow cooker or baked
Panera's Mac & Cheese uses extra sharp white cheddar cheese
Panera's Mac & Cheese is a popular dish, and for good reason. The recipe uses extra sharp white cheddar cheese, which gives it a delicious, creamy flavour. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the creaminess of American cheese, resulting in a smooth, rich texture.
The key to achieving the signature creaminess of Panera's Mac & Cheese is in the preparation of the cheese. It is important to shred the cheese yourself from a block of cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. By shredding your own cheese, you ensure a creamy, grit-free sauce. Additionally, allowing the cheese to come to room temperature before mixing it into the sauce promotes an even creamier consistency.
When preparing the sauce, it is recommended to use a combination of milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. The milk and cream provide the base for the sauce, while the dry mustard enhances the cheese flavour without overpowering it. The sauce is then combined with cooked pasta, creating a hearty and flavourful dish.
For the pasta, Panera uses shell pasta, specifically Lumaconi pasta, which they claim holds their signature cheese sauce exceptionally well. The unique shape of the pasta cups allows it to cradle the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour.
Overall, the combination of extra sharp white cheddar cheese, American cheese, and a well-seasoned cheese sauce, paired with fun pasta shells, makes Panera's Mac & Cheese a comforting and indulgent dish that has gained a loyal following.
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It also includes American cheese for creaminess
Panera's mac and cheese is a popular dish, and many have tried to recreate the recipe at home. The dish is known for its creaminess, and while some recipes suggest using white cheddar cheese, others emphasise the importance of American cheese for achieving the right consistency.
American cheese is full of emulsifiers, which stabilise the cheese so that when it heats up, it melts smoothly. This is in contrast to pre-shredded cheese, which can become gritty and grainy due to the cellulose that keeps it from clumping together. Therefore, it is recommended to shred the cheese from a block to achieve the desired creaminess.
Some recipes specifically call for white American cheese from the deli counter, which is crucial for replicating the taste of Panera's mac and cheese. This variety of cheese blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a rich and indulgent dish.
The process of making the sauce also contributes to its creaminess. It is recommended to melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, gradually adding milk and whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This forms the base for the cheese sauce, and the addition of American cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, home cooks can recreate the signature creaminess of Panera's mac and cheese. The combination of American cheese, proper shredding techniques, and a well-crafted sauce results in a dish that is indulgent, flavourful, and true to the Panera standard.
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The pasta used is Lumaconi, or shells, elbow macaroni, and Cavatappi
Panera's Mac and Cheese is a popular menu item, and the pasta used in this signature dish varies. The specific type of pasta can depend on the recipe and the chef's preference. However, the most commonly used pasta shapes in Panera's Mac and Cheese include Lumaconi, shells, elbow macaroni, and Cavatappi.
Lumaconi pasta is a type of large, snail-shaped pasta that is perfect for capturing and holding the creamy cheese sauce. Its concave shape creates a delicious bite each time, as the sauce settles into the curves of the pasta. This unique pasta variety adds a fun and elegant twist to the classic mac and cheese.
Shells, or pasta conchiglie, are another popular choice for Panera's Mac and Cheese. These shell-shaped pasta pieces are ideal for holding the sauce, creating a tasty and satisfying experience. The ridges and curves of the shells ensure that each bite is packed with flavour.
Elbow macaroni is a traditional pasta shape commonly used in mac and cheese dishes, including those at Panera. Its short, tubular shape makes it easy to eat and provides a classic texture and mouthfeel. Elbow macaroni is a versatile pasta that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce.
Cavatappi, also known as spiral pasta, is another option used in Panera's Mac and Cheese. This spiral-shaped pasta has a unique, corkscrew design that holds the sauce well. Cavatappi adds a playful and whimsical touch to the dish, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The variety of pasta shapes used in Panera's Mac and Cheese showcases the versatility of this comfort food. Each type of pasta brings its own texture and visual appeal to the dish, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Whether it's the elegant Lumaconi, the classic elbow macaroni, or the fun Cavatappi, each pasta shape contributes to the overall enjoyment of this signature Panera favourite.
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The sauce includes butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper
To make Panera's famous macaroni and cheese, you'll need to start with a sauce that includes butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that signature creamy consistency:
Preparing the Sauce
Begin by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in an equal amount of flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This forms the base of your sauce, also known as a roux.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to bubble, ensuring it thickens evenly. At this point, you can season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later.
Adding the Cheese
Now it's time to add the star ingredient: cheese! Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. The type of cheese used is crucial to achieving that signature Panera flavour. Sharp white cheddar, specifically Vermont Sharp White Cheddar, is recommended. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for regular white cheddar.
It's important to shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the latter is coated with additives that can affect its melting properties and texture. Additionally, ensure that the sauce is not too hot when adding the cheese, as this can also impact the creaminess of the final product.
Combining the Pasta
Finally, it's time to bring it all together. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until well combined. You can use any type of pasta you like, but Panera is known for using shell pasta or Lumaconi, as these shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Once combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little extra milk to adjust the consistency.
There you have it—a delicious, creamy, and cheesy Panera-style macaroni and cheese! Don't forget to season with additional salt and pepper if needed and feel free to add some hot sauce for an extra kick, though this is entirely optional. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
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The recipe can be made in a slow cooker or baked
Panera's Mac & Cheese is a popular dish, and many have tried to recreate the recipe at home. The recipe can be made in a slow cooker or baked, as well as on the stovetop.
The slow cooker or Crock-Pot method involves making the sauce and cooking the pasta separately, then combining the two and placing them in a slow cooker on low heat for two hours. This method can also be used to reheat the dish, although it is recommended to add a little extra milk when reheating.
To bake this mac & cheese, you would need to use 3/4 lb. of pasta instead of the whole pound, as it will continue to absorb the sauce during baking. Boil the pasta for one minute less than al dente, then combine it with the cheese sauce and transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish. Top with crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs, then bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Let the dish sit for five minutes before serving.
The recipe can also be made on the stovetop, with some people recommending adding sautéed onions and diced Spam to the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera's mac and cheese uses a blend of creamy cheese sauce and extra sharp white cheddar cheese.
Panera uses shell pasta in their mac and cheese.
Some popular add-ins for Panera's mac and cheese include bacon, ham, pulled pork, sausage, and broccoli.
