Panera Mac Cheese Turkey Bacon
Panera Mac Cheese Turkey Bacon combines creamy, velvety cheese sauce with crispy turkey bacon for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This delightful recipe can be made in under 30 minutes and is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy every cheesy bite of this family-friendly favorite that will elevate your comfort food game!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 oz turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute until slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir continuously until thickened, then add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until melted and creamy.
- In a separate skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop into pieces.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated, then gently fold in the chopped turkey bacon before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute turkey bacon with ham or use a mix of different cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère. To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use plant-based cheese alternatives. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.