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5 from 1 vote

Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl

This Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl is a copycat of the menu item at Panera Bread. It's a fabulous way to serve mac and cheese for a satisfying lunch or dinner idea! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mac and cheese bread bowl, mac n cheese bread bowl, panera mac and cheese bread bowl
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 485kcal
Author: Cindy

Ingredients

  • 2 round bread loaves 6-8 inch size
  • 1 1/2 cups macaroni pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or medium recommended

Serving (optional)

  • 3/4 cup frozen broccoli florets see note
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Make the bread bowl by slicing off the top with a serrated knife. Remove the insides of the bread with your fingers and set aside.
  • In a medium microwaveable bowl, add pasta, water and salt. Microwave for 5 minutes on full power to start the cooking process. Then continue in 2 minute intervals until al dente.
  • Drain excess water from the bowl using a sieve if needed. Mix in the milk, garlic powder, cheese and optional broccoli. Then microwave for 1 minute or until creamy.
  • Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the bread bowl. Top with optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli florets, they'll need more cooking time. Add to the final two minutes to cook with the pasta.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the mac and cheese up to 3 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave and spoon into the bread bowl.
  • Note: nutrition data does not include the bread bowl

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1160mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 488mg | Iron: 2mg | Net Carbs: 64g