Panera mac and cheese – the comfort food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish has become a staple on the Panera Bread menu, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. But have you ever wondered what goes into making this beloved mac and cheese? In this article, we’ll delve into the ingredients that make up Panera mac and cheese, exploring the good, the bad, and the surprising.
A Brief History of Panera Mac and Cheese
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a brief look at the history of Panera mac and cheese. Panera Bread, formerly known as the St. Louis Bread Company, was founded in 1987 by Ken Rosenthal and Ron Shaich. The company quickly gained popularity for its freshly baked bread and healthy menu options. In the early 2000s, Panera introduced its mac and cheese, which was initially met with skepticism by some customers who didn’t associate the dish with the brand’s healthy image. However, the mac and cheese quickly became a fan favorite, and it has since become one of Panera’s top-selling menu items.
The Ingredients: A Closer Look
So, what exactly goes into making Panera mac and cheese? According to the company’s website, the dish is made with a blend of artisanal pasta, tangy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. But let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make up this comforting dish.
The Pasta
Panera uses a custom-blended pasta made from a combination of wheat flour, water, and eggs. The pasta is designed to hold onto the cheese sauce without becoming too mushy or sticky. While the exact recipe for the pasta is not publicly available, it’s likely that Panera uses a high-quality, artisanal pasta that is made with wholesome ingredients.
The Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is the star of the show when it comes to Panera mac and cheese. The company uses a blend of natural cheeses, including cheddar, Parmesan, and fontina. The cheese sauce is made with a combination of milk, cream, and butter, which gives it a rich, creamy texture. Panera also adds a touch of paprika and garlic powder to give the cheese sauce a smoky, savory flavor.
The Breadcrumb Topping
The breadcrumb topping is the perfect finishing touch for Panera mac and cheese. The company uses a blend of whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a nice crunch and a burst of salty flavor to the dish. The breadcrumb topping is also sprinkled with a touch of paprika, which adds a smoky depth to the dish.
Other Ingredients: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising
In addition to the pasta, cheese sauce, and breadcrumb topping, Panera mac and cheese also contains a few other ingredients that are worth noting. Some of these ingredients are good, some are bad, and some are just plain surprising.
Good: Natural Ingredients
One of the best things about Panera mac and cheese is that it’s made with natural ingredients. The company uses no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors in its mac and cheese, which makes it a great option for customers who are looking for a healthier comfort food option.
Bad: High Sodium Content
One of the downsides of Panera mac and cheese is its high sodium content. A single serving of the dish contains over 1,000mg of sodium, which is nearly half of the recommended daily intake. This is largely due to the high amount of cheese and breadcrumbs used in the recipe.
Surprising: Carrageenan
One ingredient that may surprise some customers is carrageenan, a seaweed-derived ingredient that is used as a thickening agent in the cheese sauce. While carrageenan is generally considered safe to eat, some research has suggested that it may have negative health effects in large quantities.
Nutrition Information: A Breakdown
So, how does Panera mac and cheese stack up in terms of nutrition? Here’s a breakdown of the dish’s nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 per serving |
| Total Fat | 34g per serving |
| Saturated Fat | 20g per serving |
| Sodium | 1,040mg per serving |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54g per serving |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g per serving |
| Sugars | 8g per serving |
| Protein | 24g per serving |
Conclusion
Panera mac and cheese is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that has captured the hearts of many. While it’s not the healthiest option on the menu, it’s made with natural ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. By understanding the ingredients that go into making this beloved dish, customers can make informed decisions about their food choices. Whether you’re a mac and cheese aficionado or just looking for a comforting meal, Panera mac and cheese is definitely worth trying.
Make Your Own Panera-Style Mac and Cheese at Home
If you’re looking to make your own Panera-style mac and cheese at home, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound artisanal pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated fontina cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, and fontina cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with the whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Enjoy your homemade Panera-style mac and cheese!
What is the main ingredient in Panera Mac and Cheese?
The main ingredient in Panera Mac and Cheese is pasta, specifically macaroni. Panera uses a variety of pasta shapes, but macaroni is the primary one. The pasta is made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, which gives it a smooth texture and a slightly yellow color.
The pasta is cooked al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it. This helps the pasta hold its shape and texture even after it’s been mixed with the cheese sauce. Panera’s pasta is also free from artificial preservatives and flavorings, making it a great option for those looking for a more natural mac and cheese.
What type of cheese does Panera use in their Mac and Cheese?
Panera uses a blend of natural cheeses in their Mac and Cheese, including cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano. The cheddar cheese provides a rich, creamy flavor, while the Parmesan and Romano add a salty, nutty taste. The cheese blend is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial preservatives or flavorings.
The cheese sauce is made by combining the cheese blend with milk and a touch of butter. The sauce is then heated until it’s smooth and creamy, and it’s mixed with the cooked pasta to create the signature Panera Mac and Cheese. The cheese sauce is a key component of the dish, and it’s what sets Panera’s Mac and Cheese apart from other mac and cheese recipes.
Does Panera Mac and Cheese contain any artificial preservatives or flavorings?
No, Panera Mac and Cheese does not contain any artificial preservatives or flavorings. Panera is committed to using high-quality, all-natural ingredients in their menu items, including their Mac and Cheese. The pasta, cheese sauce, and other ingredients are all made with natural ingredients and do not contain any artificial additives.
This commitment to natural ingredients is part of Panera’s Clean Food initiative, which aims to remove artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and flavors from their menu items. By using natural ingredients, Panera is able to create a Mac and Cheese that is not only delicious but also better for you.
Is Panera Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
No, Panera Mac and Cheese is not gluten-free. The pasta used in the dish contains gluten, which makes it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, Panera does offer a gluten-free pasta option in some of their other menu items, so it’s possible that they may offer a gluten-free Mac and Cheese option in the future.
If you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it’s best to check with your local Panera restaurant to see if they have any gluten-free options available. They may be able to accommodate your dietary needs or offer a gluten-free alternative to their Mac and Cheese.
Can I customize my Panera Mac and Cheese with add-ins?
Yes, you can customize your Panera Mac and Cheese with add-ins. Panera offers a variety of add-ins, including bacon, ham, and vegetables, that you can add to your Mac and Cheese. You can also ask for no add-ins at all if you prefer a plain Mac and Cheese.
Some popular add-ins for Panera Mac and Cheese include crispy bacon, diced ham, and steamed broccoli. You can also ask for a side of fruit or a salad to add some extra nutrition to your meal. The add-ins are a great way to make your Mac and Cheese more interesting and tailored to your tastes.
How many calories are in a serving of Panera Mac and Cheese?
A serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the size and add-ins. The dish is relatively high in calories due to the pasta, cheese sauce, and add-ins. However, it’s also a filling and satisfying meal that can be part of a balanced diet.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider a smaller portion size or opting for a lighter add-in, such as steamed vegetables. You can also ask for a side salad or fruit to add some extra nutrition to your meal. Panera also offers a variety of other menu items that are lower in calories, so you can choose a different option if you’re concerned about calorie intake.
Can I order Panera Mac and Cheese online or through the app?
Yes, you can order Panera Mac and Cheese online or through the Panera app. Panera offers online ordering and delivery through their website and app, making it easy to get your favorite Mac and Cheese delivered right to your door. You can also use the app to order ahead and pick up your Mac and Cheese at your local Panera restaurant.
To order online or through the app, simply select your location, choose your menu items, and pay online. You can also customize your order with add-ins and special requests. Panera’s online ordering system makes it easy to get your favorite Mac and Cheese whenever and wherever you want it.