
Dinner
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Indulge in creamy comfort with this easy Homemade Mac and Cheese, featuring rich white cheddar and a hint of garlic for extra warmth. Growing up, I was always thrilled to indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness from Panera, and this recipe brings that nostalgia to my kitchen. The dry mustard and optional garlic powder add a subtle kick, making it a family favorite.

Dinner
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Indulge in creamy comfort with this easy Homemade Mac and Cheese, featuring rich white cheddar and a hint of garlic for extra warmth. Growing up, I was always thrilled to indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness from Panera, and this recipe brings that nostalgia to my kitchen. The dry mustard and optional garlic powder add a subtle kick, making it a family favorite.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (amount not specified)
- Flour (amount not specified)
- Milk (amount not specified)
- Heavy cream (amount not specified)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dry mustard (amount not specified)
- Garlic powder (optional, amount not specified)
- 1 cup freshly grated white cheddar
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated white cheddar
- Cooked pasta shells (amount not specified)
- Cheese and breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Melt some unsalted butter, then whisk in some flour with it.
- 2
Add in some milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and optionally garlic powder.
- 3
Once the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, add in 1 cup of freshly grated white cheddar.
- 4
Once that's melted in, add in another 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar.
- 5
Fold in some cooked pasta shells.
- 6
To elevate it, feel free to broil it with some cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
💡Broiling adds a crispy topping to the mac and cheese.
Helpful Notes
- â—ˆFeel free to add garlic powder for extra flavor, though it's not traditional in Panera's recipe.
- â—ˆBroiling with cheese and breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunchy texture.
The Recipe
Instructions
- 1
Melt some unsalted butter, then whisk in some flour with it.
- 2
Add in some milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and optionally garlic powder.
- 3
Once the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, add in 1 cup of freshly grated white cheddar.
- 4
Once that's melted in, add in another 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar.
- 5
Fold in some cooked pasta shells.
- 6
To elevate it, feel free to broil it with some cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
💡Broiling adds a crispy topping to the mac and cheese.
Helpful Notes
- â—ˆFeel free to add garlic powder for extra flavor, though it's not traditional in Panera's recipe.
- â—ˆBroiling with cheese and breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunchy texture.