Panera Mac & Cheese (Copy Cat) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb pasta shells
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour, all purpose
2 1/2 cups milk
6 slices white American cheese, deli slice thickness
8 ounces white cheddar cheese, extra-sharp, shredded
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt (I prefer sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Preparation

Prepare pasta according to directions on the package. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your cheese sauce.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute.
Slowly add the milk and continue whisking until it thickens (just before it starts to bubble).
Remove from heat and add the cheeses, mustard, salt and hot sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, slowly add a milk, while continue to whisk, until you reach your preferred consistency.
Add your pasta to the cheese sauce and serve immediately.