Knockoff Panera Mac and Cheese- $1.01 per Cup

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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?


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