Name: Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 3 cups Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar, shredded (about 1.5 blocks); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups milk, preferably whole; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon mustard powder (can substitute Dijon mustard); 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 38 reviews

If you’re anything like me and absolutely adore the creamy, dreamy comfort of Panera’s mac and cheese, you’re in for a treat today. This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is everything you love about the original—it’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—but made right in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll be ditching the drive-through for good. Let’s dive in because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and really hits all those cozy comfort food spots.

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Why This Recipe Works

Authentic Cheese Blend: Using Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar mimics Panera’s signature flavor perfectly.
Creamy, Velvety Sauce: The combo of butter, flour, cream, and milk creates that ultra-smooth texture.
Simple Seasoning Boosts Flavor: Mustard powder and a touch of hot sauce add depth without overpowering.
Easy to Customize: You can bake it, make it stovetop, or even prep ahead in a Crock Pot!

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese, homemade cheesy pasta, easy comfort food recipes, creamy cheese sauce, quick and delicious macaroni - A close-up view of a pot filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. The dish has one main layer of small pasta shells coated in a thick, smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce with a slightly shiny texture. A black spoon lifts a scoop from the pot, showing the cheesy sauce clinging to the pasta shells. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, giving the scene a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe has a purpose and comes together to mimic the original’s creamy, cheesy goodness. Keep an eye on your cheese choice and dairy for that luscious texture you crave.

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese, homemade cheesy pasta, easy comfort food recipes, creamy cheese sauce, quick and delicious macaroni - Flat lay of medium pasta shells in a small pile, a chunk of white cheddar block next to a small mound of shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cubed butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white flour powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing a pale yellow mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl with a few drops of orange-red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni: These shapes hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully, allowing every bite to be saucy and satisfying.
Butter: It’s the base of our roux, giving richness and that perfect silky mouthfeel.
Flour: Thickens the sauce without lumps when whisked properly.
Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar: This cheese melts smoothly and has that signature tang Panera Mac and Cheese is known for.
Heavy cream: Adds extra creaminess and indulgence—don’t skip it!
Milk: Whole milk keeps the sauce perfectly balanced—not too thick, not too thin.
Salt, pepper, mustard powder: These seasonings brighten and sharpen the flavors to perfection.
Hot sauce (optional): Just a splash to subtly enhance the cheesy depth without heat.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like it extra sharp, milder, or with a little twist, there’s room to make it your own.

Cheese Variations: I sometimes swap in Gouda or Gruyere for a nuttier twist, and it turns out wonderfully rich and flavorful.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, try upping the hot sauce slightly, but start small—you don’t want to overpower that classic creamy base.
Make it Lighter: Using 2% milk instead of whole works in a pinch, but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
Baked Version: Add a crunchy breadcrumb or Ritz cracker topping and bake for a golden crust that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Cheese Ready Early

Shred your white cheddar first and let it sit at room temperature—cold cheese can clump and won’t melt as smoothly. I usually shred mine right when I start boiling the pasta so everything flows together perfectly timing-wise.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Until Just Right

Cook your pasta shells or elbows according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well—you don’t want excess water diluting that lush cheese sauce. If you’re planning to bake it later, boil the pasta for a minute less than al dente to avoid mushiness in the oven.

Step 3: Whisk Up a Velvety Roux and Cheese Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook until it turns a light golden color—this cooks out the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, cooking for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add your salt, pepper, mustard powder, and that secret splash of hot sauce. Then lower the heat and gradually stir in your shredded cheddar, whisking constantly until the sauce is silky and smooth. Removing the heat at the right moment keeps it luscious without getting grainy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Toss your drained pasta right into the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything’s beautifully coated. This step is quick—don’t over-stir or the pasta might break apart. Serve immediately for that gooey, creamy perfection.

Optional Step: Bake for a Golden Crust

If you want to impress your loved ones with a baked twist, use ¾ pound pasta to avoid dryness. After mixing pasta and sauce, spread into a greased 9×13 dish, top with crushed Ritz crackers for that pan-favorite crunch, and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it sets up nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Room Temp Cheese: Letting the cheese warm helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping in the sauce.
Whisk Constantly: Keep whisking when adding cheese to avoid lumps and to get that smooth texture.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta keeps the perfect bite instead of turning mushy once mixed in.
Add Hot Sauce for Depth: A small amount enhances flavor complexity without making it spicy—totally worth it.

How to Serve Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese, homemade cheesy pasta, easy comfort food recipes, creamy cheese sauce, quick and delicious macaroni - A close-up image of a pot filled with creamy pasta shells coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce, showing the small pasta pieces evenly covered and mixed in the thick sauce. A black spoon lifts a scoop of the cheesy pasta, showing the soft texture of the sauce and the shapes of the shells, with small specks of black pepper visible. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or even a little crispy bacon for salty crunch. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also brighten things up and add a nice pop of color on the plate.

Side Dishes

This mac pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness. If you’re craving more comfort, crispy chicken tenders or meatloaf make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gathering, I’ve served this mac in individual ramekins and topped each with panko breadcrumbs, broiling just before serving for a crispy golden topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes everyone feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, though the sauce firms up a bit—don’t worry, reheating fixes that.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this mac once or twice, but fair warning: the texture isn’t quite as silky after thawing because the dairy can separate. Still tasty, but I prefer fresh or refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Stir often to restore that creamy texture without scorching. Microwave works in a pinch—heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of white cheddar?

Absolutely! This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe is versatile. Gouda, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere are fantastic substitutions or additions to mix up the flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well for that creamy texture.
Is the hot sauce really necessary?

The hot sauce isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It doesn’t add heat but enhances the cheese’s depth and makes the sauce taste richer and more complex. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?

The key is using room temperature shredded cheese and stirring it in gradually off the heat or on very low. Overheating cheese can cause it to separate and get grainy, so patience and gentle whisking pay off.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta ahead, combine them loosely, and store in the fridge for one to two days. When ready, reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe hits all the right notes for me every time—the creamy sauce, the right amount of cheesiness, and even that subtle background zing from the mustard and hot sauce. Making it at home means you can enjoy it anytime, customize it exactly how you like, and impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Seriously, give this recipe a try—I guarantee it’ll become your go-to comfort food, just like it did for me.