Creamy Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Experience the comfort of our creamy macaroni and cheese, closely resembling the beloved dish from Panera. This recipe yields a rich and deliciously cheesy meal that is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. The combination of American and extra-sharp white cheddar cheeses creates a delightful creaminess, while the optional smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the dish. You can easily customize the flavor by adjusting the mustard, and don't worry—if you're sensitive to spice, the hot sauce is entirely optional! This dish is not only incredibly filling but also holds up beautifully when reheated, just remember to stir in a bit of milk for the perfect texture. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
6
Servings
206
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (sifted)
2% low-fat milk
2 1/2 cups (or use 1% milk)
American cheese
6 slices (chopped)
extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
paprika
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the small shell pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a Dutch oven or a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a regular pot works just fine.
3
Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly until it forms a smooth paste.
4
Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in the chopped American cheese, shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and optional hot sauce. Stir until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every shell is well-coated. Cook over medium heat for an additional minute, just until warmed through. If using, sprinkle with paprika before serving.
7
Serve immediately for best results, and enjoy your creamy homemade macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
21.3g
Carbs
7.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is used in this Creamy Homemade Macaroni & Cheese recipe?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of uncooked small shell pasta.
Which restaurant dish does this macaroni and cheese resemble?
This recipe is designed to closely resemble the beloved creamy macaroni and cheese from Panera.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How much flour should I use for the roux?
You should use 1/3 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
What type of milk is suggested for the cheese sauce?
The recipe suggests 2 1/2 cups of 2% low-fat milk, though 1% milk can also be used.
What type of American cheese is required?
The recipe uses 6 slices of American cheese that should be chopped before adding.
What is the specific type of cheddar used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese.
Is the hot sauce mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce is entirely optional and can be omitted if you are sensitive to spice.
How much Dijon mustard should be added?
Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, or adjust the amount to your personal taste.
What seasoning is suggested for the topping?
Paprika is suggested to be sprinkled on top to taste before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 206 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.3g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 7.2g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 21.3g of carbohydrates.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, the small shell pasta should be cooked according to package directions and drained before being folded into the sauce.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
When reheating, stir in a bit of milk to maintain the perfect creamy texture.
How long does it take for the milk and flour mixture to thicken?
The sauce should take about 5-7 minutes of whisking over low heat to thicken and come to a gentle boil.
At what heat should the butter be melted?
The butter should be melted over low heat in a Dutch oven or large saucepan.
How long should the flour and butter be cooked together?
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
When should the cheeses be added to the sauce?
Remove the thickened milk mixture from the heat before stirring in the chopped American and shredded white cheddar cheeses.
What equipment is recommended for making the sauce?
A Dutch oven is recommended, but a large saucepan or regular pot works just fine.
What type of salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I customize the flavor of the cheese sauce?
Yes, you can easily customize the flavor by adjusting the amount of Dijon mustard or adding optional hot sauce.
How long do you cook the pasta once it is mixed with the sauce?
Cook the combined pasta and sauce over medium heat for an additional minute until it is warmed through.
What is the texture of this macaroni and cheese?
The texture is exceptionally rich, thick, and creamy due to the combination of American and extra-sharp white cheddar cheeses.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour should be sifted.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including optional items like hot sauce and paprika.
Should I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, for the best results and texture, it is recommended to serve the dish immediately.
What tags describe this recipe?
This dish is categorized under tags such as comfort food, pasta, cheesy dish, and family dinner.