Creamy Shells Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese that mimics the beloved flavors of Panera's classic dish. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the perfect blend of white American and extra-sharp white cheddar cheeses, creating a velvety smooth sauce that coats each shell pasta beautifully. Perfect for family dinners or a comforting late-night snack, this dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Your kids will be begging for seconds! With the option to add a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick, you can easily customize it to match your family's taste preferences. Get ready for a mac and cheese that gets a thumbs up from both kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta shells
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
all purpose flour
1/4 cup (whisked into melted butter)
milk
2 1/2 cups (gradually added to sauce)
white American cheese
6 slices (cut into pieces, deli slice thickness)
extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1 teaspoon (I prefer sea salt)
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, slowly whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about one minute until it forms a smooth paste.
3
3. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and is nearly bubbling.
4
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add in the slices of white American cheese and shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
5
5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and optional hot sauce. If the cheese sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk while whisking until you achieve your desired consistency.
6
6. Combine the cooked pasta shells with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all pasta is evenly coated.
7
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish! For leftovers, add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Shells Mac & Cheese Delight.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of pasta shells.
How should the pasta shells be cooked?
The pasta shells should be cooked according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
What are the two main types of cheese used in this sauce?
The sauce features a blend of white American cheese and extra-sharp white cheddar cheese.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is whisked into the melted butter to form a smooth paste that thickens the sauce.
How much milk should I add to the cheese sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of milk, added gradually.
How many slices of white American cheese are required?
The recipe requires 6 slices of white American cheese, preferably deli slice thickness.
How much extra-sharp white cheddar cheese is used?
You should use 8 ounces of shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese.
Should I use a specific type of mustard?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, with a preference for sea salt.
Is this mac and cheese recipe spicy?
It includes an optional 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce for a gentle kick, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How do I prevent lumps when adding milk to the roux?
You should pour the milk in gradually while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and nearly bubbling.
When do I add the cheeses to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the American and cheddar cheeses.
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk while whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this recipe be customized?
Yes, you can customize the heat by adding a dash of hot sauce or adjusting the types of cheese used.
How should I reheat leftovers to keep them creamy?
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to restore the dish's creaminess.
Does this recipe taste like a specific restaurant's mac and cheese?
The description mentions that it mimics the beloved flavors of Panera's classic macaroni and cheese.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly family recipe that even pickiest eaters will enjoy.
At what heat should the butter be melted?
The butter should be melted over low heat in a medium saucepan.
How long should I stir the flour and butter paste?
Stir the flour and butter mixture constantly for about one minute.
How should the white American cheese be prepared?
The slices should be cut into pieces before being added to the sauce.
How should the white cheddar be prepared?
The white cheddar should be shredded before adding it to the sauce.
When should I serve the Mac & Cheese?
The dish is best served immediately after combining the pasta and the cheese sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as velvety smooth and creamy.
Does the recipe include any tags for categorization?
Yes, tags include comfort food, creamy pasta, kid-friendly, and easy recipe.
Is the hot sauce mandatory?
No, the hot sauce is listed as an optional ingredient.
Should the pasta be drained?
Yes, once the pasta is cooked al dente, it should be drained and set aside.
What is the main goal of the mixing step?
The goal is to mix the pasta and sauce well to ensure all shells are evenly coated.