PANERA MAC & CHEESE

By lkoss

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz.) package small pasta shells
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
• 6 slices white American cheese, chopped
• 1 cup (8 oz.) shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. hot sauce
• Paprika (optional)

Details

Adapted from people.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.

3. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from heat.

4. Add cheeses, mustard, salt and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

5. Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately.