Panera Mac and Cheese
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: American
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 1 (16-ounce) package of small pasta shells (I used Orecchiette)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 and ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 and ¼ cup half & half
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ΒΌ teaspoon hot sauce
  • 4 oz. white American cheese, chopped
  • 8 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions in a large pot of water. Drain pasta and return cooked pasta to the pot.
  2. Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and half & half. Add mustard, salt, and hot sauce to pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.
  4. Add cheese by the handful, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  5. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir until incorporated.
Recipe by 2 Sisters 2 Cities at https://www.2sisters2cities.com/2012/10/panera-mac-and-cheese/