Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and many restaurants offer their own unique take on this classic dish. From fast-food chains to steakhouses, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the best mac and cheese. While some places serve up traditional elbow macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce, others add their own twist with different types of pasta, spices, or blends of cheese. With so many variations available, it can be challenging to determine which restaurant's mac and cheese takes the top spot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best fast-food mac and cheese | Noodles & Co., Panera, Bojangles, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Worst fast-food mac and cheese | Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, KFC, and Popeyes |
| Best overall | Noodles & Co. |
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What You'll Learn
Noodles & Co
The restaurant chain is known for its expertise in noodles and has gained a reputation for mastering flavorful pasta dishes from around the world. Their simple, classic mac and cheese stands out as one of their most famous menu items, indicating that there is something truly special about this bowl of pasta. The dish has even inspired homemade versions, with recipes aiming to replicate the iconic flavour and texture.
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Bojangles
While Bojangles doesn't offer extensive customization options for their Macaroni and Cheese, customers can add a side of hot sauce or other condiments to enhance the flavor. The dish is known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it a popular choice among customers.
One customer review on Reddit mentions that Bojangles' Mac and Cheese is "pretty damn good" compared to other fast-food chicken places. The same review also highlights the biscuits served at Bojangles, describing them as "amazing".
Overall, Bojangles' Macaroni and Cheese is a popular and well-loved dish, offering a delightful and comforting dining experience, especially when paired with their famous biscuits.
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KFC
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and KFC has capitalised on this by offering mac and cheese bowls as a side dish or main meal. While KFC's mac and cheese has received mixed reviews, with some deeming it too bland or artificial tasting, others seem to enjoy it, especially when paired with their fried chicken.
For those who want to recreate the taste at home, there are copycat recipes available that claim to mimic the unique flavour and texture of KFC's mac and cheese. These recipes include ingredients like powdered milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, Velveeta, and sharp cheddar cheese, and result in a creamy, tender mac and cheese similar to what you'd get from the drive-thru.
While KFC's mac and cheese may not be the best option for those seeking a more sophisticated or flavourful dish, it seems to satisfy those looking for a quick, indulgent, and comforting side to accompany their fried chicken.
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Popeyes
While the noodles could be more al dente, the sauce is rich and buttery, making it a satisfying and indulgent option. The mac and cheese is available in two sizes, regular and large, and can be paired with other sides such as Cajun fries or chicken. The price for the regular size is $2.79, while the large size is $3.99.
Reviews of Popeyes' mac and cheese are mostly positive, with some considering it the best macaroni and cheese they've had in a fast-food place. It is described as a "big southern-style hug in a bowl" and is said to taste like "how grandma in the south makes it". The addition of shrimp or chicken is also suggested to elevate the dish further.
However, there are some mixed reviews, with one person stating that their local Popeyes had the worst mac and cheese they'd ever tasted. The consistency of the dish across different locations may vary, but overall, Popeyes' Homestyle Mac & Cheese is a tempting and comforting side dish that is worth trying.
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Panera
While Panera's Mac & Cheese is a favourite among many, some have attempted to recreate the recipe at home. The Cozy Cook, for instance, provides a copycat recipe that includes a crunchy Ritz topping and a creamy Vermont white cheddar sauce. The recipe involves cooking the pasta al dente, preparing a cheese sauce with shredded cheese, and combining the two. The dish can be served hot off the stove or baked with a topping of crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs.
Another copycat recipe by Amanda's Cookin' also aims to replicate the flavours of Panera's Mac & Cheese. This recipe includes deli-sliced American cheese, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. The method involves creating a roux with butter and flour, adding milk, heavy cream, seasonings, and cheese, and finally mixing in the cooked pasta.
Whether enjoyed at Panera or recreated at home, their Mac & Cheese has gained a following for its creamy texture and indulgent flavours, offering a satisfying and nostalgic dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
While it's a matter of personal preference, Noodles & Co.'s mac and cheese has been described as "world-famous". It consists of elbow noodles with cream and a blend of cheddar and Jack cheeses. Other popular options include Bojangles, KFC, and Panera.
Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse are popular steakhouse chains that serve mac and cheese. While Texas Roadhouse's version is cheesy and creamy, Outback's has been described as having a bold flavor with a hint of mild heat.
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard's mac and cheese has been described as "awful", with little to no sauce. Popeyes Mac and Cheese has also been described as mediocre and lacking flavor.
Church's, a lesser-known fast-food chicken restaurant, has been serving up Southern comfort food, including mac and cheese, since 1952. Chick-fil-A also offers mac and cheese, although reviews are mixed.
