Mac 'n Cheese: a Panera Copycat recipe

Ingredients for Mac 'n Cheese: a Panera Copycat recipe

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup (60 g) All-purpose flour

• 2 and 1/4 cups 2% milk

• 1 pound (16 oz) dry pasta noodles, macaroni or small shells

• 8 oz white American cheese, thinly sliced

• 8 oz Extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, grated or shredded

• 1/2 Tbsp of dijon mustard or 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp hot sauce

Directions for Mac 'n Cheese

1. Prepare pasta according to package.

2. Make a rue: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stir constantly.

3. Slowly and gradually add the milk into the butter/flour. Increase the heat to medium. Continue to whisk until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat source.

4. Add the cheeses to the rue, stir until smooth. Add the mustard, hot sauce, and salt. Stir until incorporated.

5. Add cooked and drained {but not rinsed} pasta to the cheese sauce. If needed, heat for 1 minute to warm through. Serve immediately.

recipe courtesy of FoodandGladness.com