Description
This Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with turkey bacon for an indulgent twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and crumbled turkey bacon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- This recipe can be adjusted based on your cheese preferences—try mixing in other cheeses for a different flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit more cream cheese or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg