Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese Bread Bowl
Mac & Cheese:
First, cook 1/2lb of pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Then, add 4 tbsp of butter to a pan on medium heat. Once the butter is melted add 4 tbsp of flour. Mix together to get out any lumps. Cook for a few minutes to get rid of the flour taste. Whisking occasionally.
Add 2.5 cups of milk, slowly. Whisk throughout this process to ensure your sauce doesn’t have any lumps.
Let the mixture thicken then season with salt, pepper, garlic/ onion powder and 1/2 tbsp of Dijon mustard.
Whisk this well, then, lower the heart. Add 2.5 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Mix this together until a creamy sauce forms.
Add your cooked pasta with some pasta water and let the sauce and pasta cook together.
Bread Bowl:
I used King Arthur’s gluten free bread mix for this bread bowl.
Make the mix according to box instructions and then add it to a small springform pan. Cook it at 350 for 50 minutes.
Let it cool for 30 minutes then cut a circle on the top of your load. Take out the inside of the bread then add your mac n cheese to the middle. Enjoy :)