Panera Mac & Cheese

Name: Panera Mac & Cheese
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta; 1/4 cup butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk (I used 1% milk); 6 slices American cheese, chopped (I used Land O Lakes white, presliced from the deli); 1 cup extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I used an 8 oz block of Cabot Vermont extra sharp and cut into small pieces for better melting); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used a store brand-start with half the amount and taste as you go); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional-I do not recommend using it. If you add too much then all you taste is the hot sauce); paprika (optional-I use smoked paprika)

10 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk (I used 1% milk)
6 slices American cheese, chopped (I used Land O Lakes white, presliced from the deli)
1 cup extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I used an 8 oz block of Cabot Vermont extra sharp and cut into small pieces for better melting)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used a store brand-start with half the amount and taste as you go)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional-I do not recommend using it. If you add too much then all you taste is the hot sauce)
paprika (optional-I use smoked paprika)

Directions

1

Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. (I just used a regular pan) Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
3

Gradually whisk in milk, cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from heat.
4

Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
5

Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately.