Panera Bread’s Signature Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigati pasta or other small pasta shells
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups 2% milk or cream
- 6 slices white American cheese chopped
- 1 cup white cheddar shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
- In large sauce pan, melt butter over low heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk (or cream); cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.
- Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute (or until thoroughly heated).
Notes
Adapted by Head Chef Dan Kish https://betherainbow.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/panera-bread-macaroni-cheese-recipe-yum/