White Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese Panera Copycat Recipes

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Add to pasta; toss to coat.

Steps:

• Combine macaroni, milk, water, garlic salt, and salt in a Dutch oven on a stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently so noodles don't stick to the pan, until noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Remove pot from heat and stir in margarine and pepper until melted. Stir in Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
• Top pasta with bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits.
• Place Dutch oven under the broiler until topping is lightly browned and crispy, 1 to 3 minutes. Top with chives and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Boil 2 oz of pasta shells. Slightly undercook the pasta. Set aside.
• Microwave 4 tbs of butter with 8 tbs of flour for two minutes, stirring with a whisk after each minute.
• Then slowly add 2 cups of milk, stirring with the whisk constantly.
• Microwave the entire mixture for several minutes, stirring after each minute, until sauce thickens and takes on a matte finish. How many minutes will depend on the power of your microwave. (Mine took about 6 minutes).
• Add grated Vermont white cheddar to sauce. The sauce should be hot enough that the cheese will melt as you stir. If not, you may add the cheese then microwave a little more.
• For an extra creamy sauce, pour a small amount of the pre-cheese sauce into a separate bowl, add one egg and beat vigorously, then return the reserved sauce to the original sauce.
• Add cheese to taste. I used an entire 8oz block.
• Add a dash of grated American cheese (optional).
• Combine pasta and sauce, then pour into a well-greased baking pan. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so don't worry if the mixture seems more liquid-y than the way you would normally serve pasta. I used a 9 by 9 inches pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees covered for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and starting to become golden.