Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb medium shells pasta
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8-11 oz sharp white cheddar, shredded
• 8 American cheese slices (ideally white, but regular ones will do)
• 1/2 tsp ground dry mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta noodles and cook until al dente. Do not overcook. Drain the pasta once it is ready.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring it into a paste. While whisking, slowly pour in the milk and cream, a little at a time. Stir the mixture into a thick paste and then into a homogenous liquid. Add the dry mustard, hot sauce, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Bring to a boil (this will take about 4 minutes), stirring constantly. Once it has boiled, cook for about another 4 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to low and add the cheeses a little at a time while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta. Serve and enjoy!