Panera Mac & Cheese

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk (i used 1% milk)
• 6 slices american cheese, chopped (i used land o lakes , presliced from the deli)
• 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (i used an 8 oz block of cabot vermont extra sharp and cut into small pieces for better melting)
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (i used a store brand)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional-i do not add this anymore. if you add too much then all you taste is the hot sauce)
• paprika (optional-i chose not to used it)

Recipe

• 1 prepare pasta according to package directions.
• 2 melt butter in a dutch oven over low heat. (i just used a regular pan) 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.