Who else is obsessed with Panera Macaroni and Cheese? I know I am! The best part? You can whip up that creamy, comforting goodness right at home using your Instant Pot. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
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Enjoy your Panera Mac and Cheese made in the Instant Pot! It’s the perfect way to enjoy Panera’s classic mac and cheese without having to leave the house. Plus, it tastes just like Panera Bread's version - creamy, cheesy, and delicious!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy and Comforting: This panera mac and cheese recipe nails the gooey, rich comfort food experience.
- Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you'll have a comforting dinner ready in minutes.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: You can enjoy copycat panera mac and cheese without leaving your kitchen.
📋 Ingredients
Here are the Panera bread Mac and Cheese ingredients you will need:
- Pasta Shells: Provide a satisfying bite and absorb the cheese sauce well, making every mouthful creamy and delicious.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the pasta and cheese, making them more pronounced and savory.
- Margarine: Adds richness to the dish and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce when melted with the cheeses.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the cheese sauce, giving it a distinctive, robust flavor.
- White American Cheese: Melts exceptionally well, lending a creamy, mild flavor that balances out the sharpness of the cheddar.
- Milk: Thins out the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency, making it smooth and pourable. Whole milk makes it creamier, while skim milk is a lighter option.
- Black Pepper: An optional ingredient, it adds a hint of heat and complexity to the mac and cheese, enhancing its savory qualities.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Macaroni: You can you elbow macaroni! I just like to use the shells since that is what they use at Panera. The cheesy goodness gets caught up in that little pocket of noodles and makes such a flavorful bite!
- Whole Milk: You can use whatever type of milk you like. Whole milk is usually the preferred choice because it makes the Panera mac and cheese creamier. You can also try using skim milk if that’s what you have on hand. Some also use heavy cream, but we prefer milk for our version of this copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe.
- Oat Milk: You can use oat milk in Panera mac and cheese. Oat milk has a creamy texture that helps give the macaroni and cheese a rich flavor. Be sure to adjust the amount of salt and pepper if needed since oat milk is usually unsalted.
🔀 Optional Additions
- Garlic Powder: If you want to make this Panera mac and cheese even more flavorful, feel free to add in some cooked bacon or sausage. You could also mix in some garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick of flavor.
- Mustard: Some like to add ground mustard or dijon mustard for a mustard flavor. Just add one tablespoon at a time and taste to see if it's at a level you want.
- Hot Sauce: If you want to add hot sauce to your Panera mac and cheese to get a spicy dish then add one teaspoon of hot sauce at a time until you get your desired taste.
- Vegetables: You can also mix in some cooked vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious addition.
🔪How To Make Instant Pot Panera Mac And Cheese?
Here is a step-by-step guide for Instant Pot Panera mac and cheese.
Step One: Add your medium shells, butter, and kosher salt to the Instant Pot. Add 4 cups of water, and then give the mixture a good stir making sure each pasta shell has been mixed with the water. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes followed by a quick release.
Step Two: Remove some of the water from the pot. No need to make sure all is gone, just a bit. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, sliced white American cheese, and milk to the cooked pasta. Mix until fully incorporated. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese. Serve your panera mac and cheese bowls with a little black pepper.
Best Sides For Mac And Cheese
- Chicken Breast: Serve a nicely seasoned and grilled chicken breast alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a protein boost.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or french baguette can be a delicious addition, offering a different texture and a hint of garlic flavor..
- Boneless Ham: Sliced baked ham can be a savory and satisfying accompaniment, providing a contrast in flavors.
No matter how you serve it, Panera Mac and Cheese is always a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: Panera's Mac and Cheese is known for its creamy and smooth texture. To achieve this, use a combination of white American cheese and white cheddar. These cheeses melt well and provide the right balance of flavor and creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: To get the pasta right, cook it directly in the Instant Pot with just enough water to cover it, typically using the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting for about half the time suggested on the pasta box. This method cooks the pasta quickly and evenly, and the starchy water left behind can help to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Add Dairy After Depressurizing: After the pasta is cooked and you’ve released the pressure, stir in the dairy components. Incorporate the cheeses slowly into the hot pasta, allowing each addition to melt into the sauce before adding more. Finish with a splash of milk or cream to reach the desired creamy consistency. This method ensures a smooth sauce without the risk of the dairy separating, which can occur if added during high-pressure cooking.
💭 FAQs
Panera Mac and Cheese is Panera Bread’s version of the classic macaroni and cheese recipe. Panera uses a blend of three cheeses – Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan – to make their delicious recipe. They also use elbow pasta, which gives it that classic macaroni shape we all know and love.
Panera Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The cheese tastes rich while the spices give it that Panera Bread signature flavor. It’s one of Panera’s most popular dishes for good reason – once you try it, you’ll be hooked! The sharp white cheddar cheese flavor adds a tangy flavor, while the gouda and parmesan give it a smooth texture.
Yes, you can make Panera Mac and Cheese without milk but it will not be as creamy. Instead of using milk, you can add cooked pasta to cream cheese or sour cream. If you prefer mac and cheese without any dairy at all. If that’s the case, try adding more butter and extra cheese.
Panera macaroni and cheese can be made ahead of time. Just cook the pasta shells according to the instructions in the recipe, and then add all of the remaining ingredients. Panera Mac and Cheese can be frozen. Just make sure to place in a freezer bag or airtight container, and that it is completely cooled before freezing. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in your refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Panera Mac And Cheese:
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives and a dash of cracked black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
- Pair with a crisp side salad and crusty bread to create a balanced, comforting meal.
- Add mix-ins such as cooked bacon bits or a light drizzle of hot sauce to enhance texture and heat.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Panera Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Pasta Shells
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Salt
- 4 Tablespoons Margarine
- 8 Ounces shredded White Cheddar Cheese
- 6 Slices White American Cheese
- 1 Cup Milk
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add your medium shells, butter, and kosher salt to the Instant Pot
- Add 4 cups of water, and then give the mixture a good stir making sure each pasta shell has been mixed with the water.
- Close the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the valve to sealed position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- It will take about 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure.
- Once the time is up, manually release in the Instant Pot by pulling the valve to you and opening it. Be sure to open using a towel or hot pad.
- Remove some of the water from the pot. No need to make sure all is gone, just a bit.
- Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, sliced white American cheese, and milk to the cooked pasta. Mix until fully incorporated.
- The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese.
- Serve your copycat panera mac and cheese bowls with a little black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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