Mac & Cheese
$10.59 | Cal 960
A signature bakery-cafe dish featuring tender pipette rigate pasta (small shells) smothered in a thick, proprietary blend of creamy cheese sauce and tangy Vermont white cheddar. It is served hot and is available as a side, a “You Pick Two” component, or a standalone entree.
View full – Panera Bread Menu
Price
Prices vary significantly by location and delivery platform.
- Small (Cup): $6.49 – $7.29
- Large (Bowl): $9.99 – $11.49
- Group Size: $17.99 – $21.00
Customize Options
Panera offers several ways to upgrade or modify your Mac & Cheese:
- Add Proteins: Smoked pulled chicken, toasted breadcrumbs, or bacon.
- Add Veggies: Broccoli florets or pickled red onions.
- Bread Bowl: You can request the Mac & Cheese to be served inside a sourdough bread bowl.
- Toppings: Some locations offer “Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese” which combines the two iconic flavors.
Calories
- Small (Cup): 470 Calories
- Large (Bowl): 950 Calories
- Bread Bowl Version: 1140 Calories
Ingredients
- Pasta: Enriched semolina pipette rigate (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid).
- Cheese Sauce: Water, cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), cream, American cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), sodium phosphate, salt.
- Seasoning: Contains less than 2% of corn starch, sea salt, mustard flour, and lactic acid.
Nutrition (Per Large Bowl)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Total Fat | 61g |
| Saturated Fat | 37g |
| Cholesterol | 175mg |
| Sodium | 2,220mg |
| Total Carbs | 68g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 33g |
Allergens
- Contains: Milk, Wheat, Gluten.
- Note: Processed in a facility that also handles soy, eggs, and tree nuts.
FAQs
1. Is Panera Mac & Cheese made fresh in the store?
The Mac & Cheese is prepared at a central facility and shipped to cafes in refrigerated pouches. To maintain consistency and food safety, employees heat the pouches in a “rethermalizer” (a hot water bath) before serving.
2. Can I buy Panera Mac & Cheese at the grocery store?
Yes. Panera At Home offers refrigerated tubs of the Mac & Cheese at many major retailers. While the recipe is very similar, the restaurant version is often cited as being slightly creamier due to the heating method.
3. Is there a gluten-free version available?
Currently, Panera does not offer a gluten-free Mac & Cheese in their cafes. The pipette pasta is made from standard wheat semolina.
4. What is the difference between a “Cup” and a “Bowl”?
A “Cup” is typically 8 ounces, whereas a “Bowl” is 16 ounces. If you are ordering a “You Pick Two” deal, you will receive the 8-ounce cup size.
5. Can I get the Mac & Cheese as a side with a sandwich?
Yes, but it usually requires an upcharge. Most sandwiches come with a side of chips, an apple, or a baguette; replacing those with Mac & Cheese will add a few dollars to your total.
