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The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is the best homemade Mac and Cheese that your whole family will love.
5 from 8 votes
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Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade mac and cheese, panera copycat, panera copycat mac and cheese, the best homemade mac and cheese, white mac and cheese
Author: Rachel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup + 3 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz.  Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White, shredded
  • 10 slices White America Cheese, sliced from the deli and the torn into pieces.
  • 1.5 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tsp. ground mustard
  • Optional: 1-2 tsp. garlic salt
  • Optional: Bacon
  • Optional: 1 tsp. pepper I like this with pepper but my kids prefer it without.

Instructions

  • Cook the noodles in a large pot according to package directions.
  • While the noodles cook, the your butter to a warm pot and stir it continuously. You do not want it to burn or brown.
  • Once the butter is melted immediately add flour and make a roux. Whisk continuously until well blended. This will make the base for the mac and cheese so it's really important. You don't want it to be grainy still.
  • Once the Roux is done add the milk and heavy cream. Simmer. DO NOT BRING TO A BOIL.
  • Add the cheese and stir continuously over a low flame until it is all melted and combined.
  • Add the salt, Dijon mustard and ground mustard. Stir in well.
  • Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Once the noodles are done, drain them well and then add them to the cheese mix.
  • Serve immediately.