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Easy Panera Mac And Cheese Bread Bowl Recipe

Panera Mac And Cheese Bread Bowl Recipe

You’re walking into Panera, the cozy atmosphere wrapping around you like a warm hug. The scent of freshly baked bread beckons. 
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Mac And Cheese Bread Bowl Recipe
Servings: 2 Servings
Calories: 478kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • medium pot
  • Separate saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 round loaves of bread 6-8 inches in diameter
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or medium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Garnish:

  • 3/4 cup frozen broccoli florets
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring the Panera mac and cheese bread bowl to your home kitchen.

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

  • Start by bringing 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the elbow macaroni and a pinch of sea salt. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  • In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add the cooked macaroni and stir in the onion powder, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and combines into a creamy sauce.

Step 3: Hollow the Bread

  • While the cheese is melting, take your round loaves of bread. Carefully slice off the top of each loaf and use a serrated knife to hollow out the insides. Save the bread you remove; it makes a great addition to soups or can be used for breadcrumbs!

Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Bread

  • Once the cheese sauce is creamy and smooth, spoon it generously into each hollowed-out bread bowl. Don’t be shy—fill ‘em up!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • If you want to add a bit of color and nutrition, sprinkle some frozen broccoli florets and crushed red pepper flakes on top. Now they are ready for serving. Enjoy immediately while everything is piping hot!

Notes

Here are some handy tips to ensure that your bread bowls turn out perfect!
  • Quality Cheese Matters: Use good-quality cheese for the best flavor. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a satisfying texture.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente. It will absorb some liquid once added to the cheese sauce.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or fresh herbs for added flavor.
  • Keep the Bread Warm: If you’d like, warm the bread bowls in the oven briefly before filling them. This can enhance the overall experience.
  • Avoid Soggy Bread: If you anticipate leftovers, serve the mac and cheese on the side with the bread bowl to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Serving: 494g | Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8.1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 1196mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!