Panera Bread's Signature Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 16-ounce package of rigati pasta or other small pasta shells
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups 2% milk
• 6 slices white American cheese, chipped
• 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar
• 1 Tbs dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp hot sauce

Prep Steps:

1: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
2: Shred the cheddar cheese.
3: Chip the American cheese.

Steps:

1: Melt the butter over low heat.   
2: Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.   
3: Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.   
4: Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.   
5: Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, or until thoroughly heated.   

Comments:

Provided courtesy of the Panera Bread website.

This was Rick's favorite Mac & Cheese.