If you’re in the mood for something different, it’s so easy to transform our classic Panera Mac & Cheese with just a few ingredients. These great flavor combinations take just minutes to prepare.
20 minutes and items you likely already have in your fridge and pantry is all it takes to kick you mac & cheese up a notch. Thick-cut bacon provides the robust backbone of this dish and fresh jalapeño peppers add the heat, while cream cheese provides a pleasant cooling sensation. Complex and tasty, yet so easy!
Two game-day favorites, one crave-worthy meal. This easy dish can be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd, and comes together quickly with your favorite hot sauce, chicken and blue cheese crumbles.
Tomato Bacon Mac & Cheese
It’s hard to imagine a better combination than mac & cheese with bacon. This delicious idea adds stewed tomatoes for sweetness and texture, and a panko topping just pushes it over the top.
Southwest Chorizo Mac & Cheese
Add a touch of heat with this Southwestern twist, blended with spicy chorizo, black beans, frozen corn, and red peppers. For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of chopped jalapeños.
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Here’s a tasty idea for a delicious vegetarian mac, with tender cauliflower florets and crispy onions for texture, and a dollop of Dijon for a tangy finish. If you have kids who balk at veggies, it’s a great way to sneak some into mealtime. After all, everything really is better with mac & cheese.
What’s your take on mac & cheese? See our meal ideas for inspiration, or try blending in your favorite ingredients for a unique flavor twist. Panera Mac & Cheese is great alone, but if you like to mix things up, the possibilities are virtually endless.