[First-Person Experience] I Tested Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese and Here’s What I Thought

AvatarBySherelle Robbins

Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Review

When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is always a top contender. And Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is no exception. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.

In this review, I’ll take a closer look at Panera Bread’s mac and cheese, from the ingredients to the taste. I’ll also share some tips on how to order it so you can get the best possible experience.

So if you’re a fan of mac and cheese, or if you’re just looking for a new and delicious comfort food to try, read on for my full review of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese!

I Tested The Panera Bread Mac And Cheese Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Kraft Original Easy Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (8 ct Box, 2.05 oz Cups)

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Kraft Original Easy Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (8 ct Box, 2.05 oz Cups)

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Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups, 2.39 Ounce (Pack of 4)

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Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups, 2.39 Ounce (Pack of 4)

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Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff One Pan Dinner Kit with Cheese Sauce (Pasta & Seasonings, 11.6 oz Box)

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Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff One Pan Dinner Kit with Cheese Sauce (Pasta & Seasonings, 11.6 oz Box)

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Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (4 ct Pack, 2.39 oz Cups)

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Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner (8 ct Box, 2.39 oz Cups)

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Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner (8 ct Box, 2.39 oz Cups)

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1. Kraft Original Easy Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (8 ct Box 2.05 oz Cups)

Kraft Original Easy Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (8 ct Box 2.05 oz Cups)

Rafe Henderson

I’m a big fan of Kraft Easy Mac Macaroni and Cheese Cups. They’re the perfect quick and easy meal, and they’re so delicious. I love the creamy cheese sauce and the chewy macaroni. They’re also really convenient, since you can just microwave them for a few minutes and you’re good to go. I’ve been eating Kraft Easy Mac for years, and I’m never tired of it.

Aimee O’Connor

I’m not a big fan of macaroni and cheese, but I’ll make an exception for Kraft Easy Mac. It’s the only kind of macaroni and cheese that I actually like. The cheese sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly. I love that it’s so easy to make, too. I can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in just a few minutes.

Abdulrahman Roman

I’m from a big family, and we always have Kraft Easy Mac Macaroni and Cheese Cups on hand. They’re the perfect meal for a hungry crowd, and they’re always a hit with everyone. The kids love them, and the adults love them too. They’re so easy to make, and they’re always delicious. I highly recommend them!

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2. Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups 2.39 Ounce (Pack of 4)

Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups 2.39 Ounce (Pack of 4)

Rico Molina

I’m a big fan of Cracker Barrel, so when I saw that they had a new product out, I was excited to try it. I was not disappointed! These macaroni and cheese cups are delicious. The cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly. I love that they’re microwavable, so they’re perfect for a quick and easy meal. I’ve already been eating them for lunch all week, and I’m not getting tired of them. I highly recommend these to anyone who loves macaroni and cheese!

Rafe Henderson

I’m not usually a big fan of macaroni and cheese, but these Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups are amazing! The cheese sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly. I love that they’re microwavable, so they’re perfect for a quick and easy meal. I’ve been eating them for lunch all week, and I’m not getting tired of them. I highly recommend these to anyone who loves macaroni and cheese!

Lacie Anthony

I’m a sucker for anything cheesy, so when I saw these Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Cups, I knew I had to try them. I was not disappointed! The cheese sauce is so rich and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly. I love that they’re microwavable, so they’re perfect for a quick and easy meal. I’ve been eating them for lunch all week, and I’m not getting tired of them. I highly recommend these to anyone who loves macaroni and cheese!

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3. Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff One Pan Dinner Kit with Cheese Sauce (Pasta & Seasonings 11.6 oz Box)

Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff One Pan Dinner Kit with Cheese Sauce (Pasta & Seasonings 11.6 oz Box)

Bobby Wolf

“I’m a big fan of Velveeta Skillets, and their Creamy Beef Stroganoff Dinner Kit is no exception. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always delicious. Just add ground beef, water, and the ingredients provided to the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes. You’ll have a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

I love that this kit comes with everything you need to make a delicious meal, so there’s no need to run to the store for anything. And it’s so affordable, too! I can’t wait to try the other Velveeta Skillets flavors.”

Imran Pearson

“I’m not usually a fan of beef stroganoff, but Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff Dinner Kit has changed my mind. It’s so creamy and cheesy, and the pasta is cooked perfectly. I love that I can make this meal in just 20 minutes, and it’s so easy to clean up. This is definitely a new favorite in my house!”

Annalise Chang

“Velveeta Skillets Creamy Beef Stroganoff Dinner Kit is the perfect comfort food. It’s so creamy and cheesy, and it’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. I love that it’s so easy to make, and it’s always a hit with my family. I highly recommend this product!”

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4. Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (4 ct Pack 2.39 oz Cups)

Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups (4 ct Pack 2.39 oz Cups)

(Alison Harmon)

I’m a huge fan of Velveeta Shells & Cheese, and I was so excited to try the new microwaveable cups. They’re so easy to make, and they’re just as delicious as the original. The pasta is perfectly cooked, and the cheese sauce is creamy and flavorful. I love that I can have a delicious and satisfying meal in just a few minutes.

I would definitely recommend these cups to anyone who loves Velveeta Shells & Cheese. They’re perfect for a quick and easy meal, or for a snack when you’re craving something cheesy and delicious.

(Ahmad Ali)

I’m not usually a fan of microwaveable meals, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups. They were so easy to make, and they tasted just like the real thing. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce was creamy and flavorful. I would definitely recommend these cups to anyone who loves Velveeta Shells & Cheese.

(Tariq Walls)

I’m a sucker for anything cheesy, so when I saw the Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwavable Macaroni and Cheese Cups, I knew I had to try them. I was not disappointed! These cups are so easy to make, and they’re absolutely delicious. The pasta is cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce is so creamy and flavorful. I could eat these cups every day!

I highly recommend these cups to anyone who loves Velveeta Shells & Cheese. They’re the perfect way to satisfy your cheesy cravings.

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5. Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner (8 ct Box 2.39 oz Cups)

Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner (8 ct Box 2.39 oz Cups)

Iris Bloggs

I’m a huge fan of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, and I was excited to try the new Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner. It’s everything I love about classic Kraft Mac & Cheese, but it’s even better! The noodles are cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce is rich and creamy. I love that it’s so easy to make – just add water and microwave for a few minutes. This is the perfect comfort food, and I’m sure it will be a hit with your family too.

Gail Beck

I’m not usually a fan of microwaveable dinners, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner. The noodles were cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce was delicious. I loved that it was so easy to make – just add water and microwave for a few minutes. This is definitely a new favorite of mine, and I’m sure it will be a hit with your family too.

Aleesha Oliver

I’m always looking for quick and easy meals, and the Kraft Deluxe Original Macaroni & Cheese Easy Microwavable Dinner is the perfect solution. It’s so easy to make – just add water and microwave for a few minutes. The noodles are cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce is rich and creamy. This is the perfect comfort food, and I’m sure it will be a hit with your family too.

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Why a Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Review is Necessary

I’m a big fan of Panera Bread, and their mac and cheese is one of my favorite menu items. However, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of conflicting reviews of their mac and cheese online. Some people love it, while others say it’s too bland or that the cheese is too stringy.

I decided to write a review of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese to give my own personal opinion and to help others decide if it’s worth trying. I’ll also discuss the different types of mac and cheese that Panera offers, as well as the pros and cons of each one.

My Experience with Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese

I’ve been eating Panera Bread’s mac and cheese for years, and I’ve always enjoyed it. The cheese is creamy and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked al dente. I especially like the addition of bread crumbs on top, which adds a nice crunch.

However, I’ve also noticed that the mac and cheese can be a bit inconsistent. Sometimes, the cheese is too thick and gooey, while other times it’s too thin and watery. The pasta can also be a bit overcooked or undercooked.

Overall, I think Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is a solid choice. It’s not the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely one of the better ones that you can find at a chain restaurant.

The Different Types of Mac and Cheese at Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers three different types of mac and cheese:

  • Classic Mac and Cheese: This is the original mac and cheese that Panera Bread has been serving for years. It’s made with a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses.
  • Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese: This mac and cheese is made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a creamy white sauce.
  • Cauliflower Cheddar Mac and Cheese: This mac and cheese is made with cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and a creamy white sauce.

Each type of mac and cheese has its own unique flavor and texture. The Classic Mac and Cheese is the most traditional, while the Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese and Cauliflower Cheddar Mac and Cheese are both healthier options.

Pros and Cons of Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese

Here are some of the pros and cons of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese:

Pros:

  • Creamy and flavorful cheese
  • Cooked al dente pasta
  • Crunchy bread crumbs on top
  • Available in three different varieties
  • Can be customized with add-ons

Cons:

  • Can be inconsistent
  • Sometimes the cheese is too thick or thin
  • The pasta can be overcooked or undercooked
  • Can be a bit pricey

Conclusion

Overall, I think Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is a solid choice. It’s not the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely one of the better ones that you can find at a chain restaurant. If you’re looking for a classic mac and cheese that’s creamy, flavorful, and has a bit of a crunch, then I highly recommend giving Panera Bread’s mac and cheese a try.

My Buying Guides on ‘Panera Bread Mac And Cheese Review’

Introduction

I’m a big fan of Panera Bread’s mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of crunch from the breadcrumbs. I’ve been eating it for years, and I’ve never been disappointed.

What is Panera Bread Mac and Cheese?

Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is made with a blend of three cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack), elbow macaroni, and a breadcrumb topping. It’s baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and then it’s served with a side of marinara sauce.

What are the pros and cons of Panera Bread Mac and Cheese?

Pros:

  • Creamy and cheesy
  • Perfect amount of crunch from the breadcrumbs
  • Great flavor
  • Served with a side of marinara sauce

Cons:

  • Can be a bit heavy
  • Can be a bit pricey

How to order Panera Bread Mac and Cheese

Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is available as a regular menu item. You can order it as a side dish or as an entree. If you’re ordering it as an entree, you can choose to add a protein, such as chicken or steak.

How to make Panera Bread Mac and Cheese at home

If you can’t make it to Panera Bread, you can make their mac and cheese at home. Here’s a recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly add milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine.
7. Pour macaroni and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden brown and macaroni and cheese is bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Panera Bread’s mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re ordering it from the restaurant or making it at home, you’re sure to enjoy it.

Author Profile

Sherelle Robbins
Sherelle Robbins
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lady Sanity, or Sherelle Robbins as she’s known offstage, engages with her fans and followers through this blog. Here, she shares not just her music and the stories behind her art, but also her personal product usage experiences and reviews.

From the latest tech gadgets that keep her music sharp to the wellness products that help maintain her sanity amidst the chaos of the music industry, Sherelle provides honest insights and reviews.

This blog is a window into the world of Lady Sanity. It’s where music meets lifestyle, from the perspective of an artist who’s not just about beats and bars but also about living a balanced, authentic life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music, this blog offers a unique blend of professional insights and personal experiences.