Creamy Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Gourmet Mac and Cheese, inspired by the famous Panera recipe. Combining a rich blend of white cheddar and heavy cream, this dish delivers a velvety texture and deep flavor that will delight both adults and kids alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this decadent macaroni and cheese can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
385
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
milk
1 cup (none)
heavy cream
2 cups (none)
shredded white cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
cooked pasta
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will ensure that the pasta is ready to absorb the creamy cheese sauce.
2
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, followed by the kosher salt, black pepper, and dry mustard. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade gourmet mac and cheese!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
27.9g
Carbs
11.1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Gourmet Mac and Cheese?
This is a decadent pasta dish inspired by Panera's recipe, featuring a rich blend of white cheddar and heavy cream for a velvety texture.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This gourmet mac and cheese can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded white cheddar cheese to achieve its deep, gourmet flavor.
Is this recipe similar to Panera's mac and cheese?
Yes, this recipe is designed as a copycat version of the famous Panera macaroni and cheese.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from a base of unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk, heavy cream, and white cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 385 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 1 lb of your preferred pasta shape, cooked and drained according to package directions.
Why is dry mustard used in the sauce?
Dry mustard is added to enhance the sharpness of the white cheddar and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
How do you make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot, then whisk in the flour for about 1 minute until well combined.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional kosher salt to avoid making the dish too salty.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 27.5 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 11.1 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
There are 27.9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a family-friendly comfort food that is loved by both kids and adults.
What sides go well with this mac and cheese?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Should I use pre-shredded cheese?
For the smoothest sauce, it is often better to shred your own white cheddar, though pre-shredded works for convenience.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream into the roux and keep whisking until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
Why do I need to let the dish sit for 5 minutes?
Letting the mac and cheese sit allows the sauce to thicken slightly and better coat the pasta.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The fiber content is negligible for this specific preparation.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this gourmet mac and cheese recipe.
Can I add spices to the recipe?
The recipe includes kosher salt, black pepper, and dry mustard, but you can adjust these to your personal taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 9 key ingredients.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and velvety than the original gourmet version.
Is this a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well and can be reheated, though the sauce is creamiest when served immediately.
How much pasta does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of cooked pasta.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
Start with medium-high for the roux and liquids, then reduce to low when adding the cheese.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Absolutely, its creamy and cheesy profile makes it a classic comfort food staple.
Does the recipe require sodium or cholesterol details?
The specific values for sodium and cholesterol are not provided in the original data.
Can I use whole milk?
Yes, the recipe specifically includes 1 cup of milk in addition to the heavy cream.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.