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mac and cheese

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese just like they serve at Panera.

  • Total Time: :60
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lbs. macaroni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart half and half
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar
  • 1/2 cup smoked cheddar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Dash of ground nutmeg
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente (slightly firm) drain and cool.
  2. For cheese sauce, melt butter in large sauce pot add flour mix and cook for 3 minutes on low heat to make blonde roux. Slowly add cold half and half whisking in between additions to prevent lumps.
  3. Cook sauce for 5 minutes, add heavy cream, cream cheese, smoked cheddar, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, onion powder, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, season with salt and pepper.
  4. Mix gruyere and 1 cup of white cheddar with cold pasta add cheese sauce mix well. Pour into greased baking dish top with rest of white cheddar.
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe freezes very well for up to 2 months.
  • Author: The Vintage Mixer
  • Prep Time: :15
  • Cook Time: :45
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4