Skip to main content

Knockoff Panera Mac and Cheese- $1.01 per Cup

 

INGREDIENTS


  • 1 package of shells or elbow macaroni (16 ounces) ( 1.00)

  • 1⁄4 cup butter ($0.40)

  • 1⁄3 cup flour ($0.07)

  • 2 1⁄2 cups 2% Milk ($0.36)

  • 2-4 slices White American Cheese, chopped ($1.13)

  • 1 block of Cracker Barrel White Sharp Cheese cut into small pieces ($4.99)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard ($0.04)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper ($0.01)

  • 1⁄4 teaspoon homemade or Franks ($0.04)


     Total: $8.04/8 = $1.005 per serving 

 

DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

  1. Make a roux with butter and flour.   This is done by melting the butter in a heavy bottom pot over low heat.    Add the flour and whisk for at least 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and smells nutty.   Whisk consistently or the roux will burn. 

  1. Gradually whisk in milk, cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. The mixture will become smoother and creamy looking through this process.    Once the mixture heats to a boil, it will thicken.    Whisking consistently during this stage is essential as to not burn the bechamel.   Remove from heat.

  1. Add mustard, salt, and hot sauce.  Stir in the flavors to combine.   Then add the cheese a little at a time and stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

  1. Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.  Serve immediately.


This recipe quickly became my family’s favorite.   Whenever we have a potluck dish to provide, this recipe comes out and it is always a hit.   We also will make it on a Sunday and take it for lunch the following week.   



~ Savings ~

Cost Breakdown:


Regular Shopping 

  • 1 package of shells or elbow macaroni (16 ounces) ( 1.00)

  • 1⁄4 cup butter ($0.40)

  • 1⁄3 cup flour ($0.07)

  • 2 1⁄2 cups 2% Milk ($0.36)

  • 2-4 slices White American Cheese, chopped ($1.13)

  • 1 block of Cracker Barrel White Sharp Cheese cut into small pieces ($4.99)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard ($0.04)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper ($0.01)

  • 1⁄4 teaspoon homemade or Franks ($0.04)


Total Recipe Cost = $8.04

Cost per cup = $1.01


The Contender:

Panera Mac and Cheese 

Cost Per Cup= $9.09


Savings:

Regular Shopping=$8.08 or 88% Savings 


What is your favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menu Planning #132

Our meals need to be nutritious, clean, flexible, quick and cost effective. Between our work schedules and after school activities, we need to carefully plan our meals so that we do not end up ordering out.   The news is very scary at this time because of all the news of meat plants shutting down, grocery stories limiting the amount of meat a family can purchase and all of the talk about a depression on the horizon.    We have decided to keep our grocery budget the same, but to economize any way we can.     This week we tried to pick up some shrimp that was on sale, but the store was out of shrimp and not expecting to get any more in.    We were grateful to find wild caught salmon for the same price, so we picked that up instead for our Mother’s Day Dinner.    What did we spend?  Week 1: $96.44 Kroger: $96.44 Rebates: $3.55 IBOTTA: $1.35 Kroger Cash: $0.45 Checkout 51: $1.75 ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Menu Plan #322

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location.      Published September 2025:  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family has a weekly budget of $190.50. Since  October has 5 weeks, our monthly budget is $952.50.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since our family has specific dietary needs, we limit our consumption of highly processed food.   Grocery Shopping Tip:     Rethink lunchmeat.     The deli will provide you with thin-sliced meat or presliced deli meat, but you will pay a premium per pound.     ($6.49 to $15.00 per pound) However, if you buy a ½ boneless ham (unsliced or presliced), the price point will drop to between ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Frugal Five: #133

  With inflation rising and salaries staying the same, our ability to make ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series that celebrates the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     This year, my focus is on Simple Abundance , so finding ways to live well while staying on budget will be challenging.    Come along and enjoy my journey of elevating joy, enjoying what you have, and finding luxury in my local area.    1- Giving Back to the Community  Supporting your community can take countless shapes. Some people choose to write a check, and that generosity absolutely matters. But many outreach efforts require more than funding—they need time, hands, and hearts willing to show up. I’m grateful that I’m able to participate in several programs that make a real difference for the people around me. One of the most meaningful ways I give b...
Post a Comment
Read more