Panera Bread Mac & Cheese: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (238g (8.4 oz)). Source: Panera Bread USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
Panera Bread's Mac & Cheese is one of the chain's most beloved menu items, made with a blend of white cheddar, fontina, and Parmesan cheeses in a rich, creamy sauce. At 480 calories per serving with 32g of fat, it is an indulgent comfort food that has earned a dedicated following since its introduction. The shell-shaped pasta holds the cheese sauce in every bite, creating a consistently creamy texture throughout the dish. Panera's version stands out in the fast casual space because it uses real, freshly prepared cheese rather than a powdered cheese mix. A single serving delivers 16g of protein, making it satisfying enough for a standalone meal or a popular side paired with soup or a half sandwich.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 480 | 24% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 12% |
| Fat | 32g | 41% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Sodium | 1150mg | 50% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a Panera Bread Mac & Cheese?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Pasta (cooked) | 160 | 5g | 30g | 1g |
| White Cheddar Cheese | 120 | 7g | 0g | 10g |
| Heavy Cream and Butter | 130 | 1g | 1g | 14g |
| Fontina and Parmesan Cheese | 50 | 3g | 0g | 4g |
| Flour, Mustard Powder, and Seasonings | 20 | 0g | 3g | 3g |
Daily Intake
24% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1520 calories remaining.
Burn Off 480 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Mac & Cheese Recipe
A homemade version of the Panera Bread Mac & Cheese with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •225g (8 oz / about 3 cups) medium shell pasta
- •170g (6 oz / 1.5 cups) shredded white cheddar cheese
- •60g (2 oz / 1/2 cup) shredded fontina cheese
- •30g (1 oz / 1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- •240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- •120ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
- •30g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- •20g (2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
- •1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- •1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- •Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a light roux.
- 3
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- 4
Reduce heat to low. Add the dry mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in the white cheddar, fontina, and Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
- 5
Season with salt and white pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat pasta without being gluey.
- 6
Add the cooked shell pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until every shell is evenly coated. Serve immediately in warm bowls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Panera Mac and Cheese?
A standard serving of Panera Mac & Cheese contains 480 calories, with 16g of protein, 34g of carbohydrates, and 32g of fat. The sodium content is 1150mg, which is about 50% of the daily recommended value. The high fat content comes from the blend of real cheeses and heavy cream used in the sauce.
What cheeses does Panera use in their Mac and Cheese?
Panera uses a blend of white cheddar as the primary cheese, along with fontina and Parmesan. The white cheddar provides the sharp flavor base, the fontina adds a smooth, creamy melt, and the Parmesan contributes a savory depth. This three-cheese blend is what gives Panera's version a more complex flavor compared to single-cheese macaroni and cheese.
Is Panera Mac and Cheese a healthy option?
With 480 calories and 32g of fat per serving, Panera Mac & Cheese is best considered an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday meal. The sodium is high at 1150mg, and the fiber content is 0g. For a lighter Panera meal, consider pairing a cup of soup (around 200 to 300 calories) with a half salad instead. If you want mac and cheese, ordering a smaller portion as a side rather than a full entree helps manage the calorie intake.
Can I order Panera Mac and Cheese as a side dish?
Yes, Panera offers their Mac & Cheese in multiple portion sizes. You can order it as a side with a You Pick Two combo, where it pairs with a half sandwich, half salad, or cup of soup. The side portion is smaller than the full entree, so the calorie count will be lower. This is a practical way to enjoy it without committing to the full 480-calorie serving.
Track Your Own Mac & Cheese
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual mac & cheese and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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