Brian Nagele
Enjoy the most delicious fast food mac and cheese alternatives that go beyond the norm and indulge in a creamy symphony of comfort. These gooey treats take the standard mac and cheese to new levels of deliciousness in a world where convenience and gourmet ecstasy collide. This article is your guide to the best mac and cheese experience, from the velvety embrace of well-known franchises to hidden treasures that redefine fast food luxury. Discover the mouthwatering aromas, captivating textures, and surprising turns that turn every bite into an adventure worth relishing. Join us on a mission to find the best fast food mac and cheese options that will make your taste buds sing, whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast.
KFC
The Mac and Cheese served at KFC is a simple delight. The texture is standard elbow macaroni covered with a smooth, creamy layer of cheese sauce. KFC is known for making some of the tastiest chicken in America, and it goes well with the soft and rich taste of their mac and cheese. Customers have expressed so much love for the mac and cheese that KCF released a new menu item called the Mac and Cheese bowl. This item combines the Kraft noodles with crispy popcorn chicken, topped with a three-cheese blend. The quality of this side item practically speaks for itself.
Boston Market
When it comes to Boston Market, the food carries the sense of homemade cooking and is always hot and ready. Their version of mac and cheese replaces elbow macaroni with rotini pasta noodles that secure more cheese within its spirals. What I really love about this brand of mac and cheese is the thick consistency of the cheese. It also tastes as if it’s from a gourmet restaurant. Paired with the succulent taste of Boston Market’s famous rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese is the perfect choice to go with it. Just the right amount of packed cheese leaves you wanting to bring home seconds.
Popeyes
There is not much talk about Popeye’s version of mac and cheese, which shouldn’t be the case. It’s not my first or second choice, but when the restaurant announced its new Homestyle mac and cheese, I needed to try and see if there was something of value here. It’s an oven-baked side dish with a creamy center heated on the inside. With a crunchy golden-brown crust, it’s a nice treat to break through and enjoy the cooked noodles. There are times when the noodles can be a little watery, but it’s still a delicious creation from Popeyes menu.
Panera Bread
The mac and cheeses served at Panera Bread are unlike any other. I always saw this item as the fancy kind of mac and cheese due to its price and appearance. Instead of cheddar, Panera Bread coats its shell noodles with thick, creamy white sauce. The savory flavor lingers in your mouth after swallowing and reminds you of eating cheddar soup. The cost is a little expensive compared to other fast food joints, but the quality justifies it. It is so popular that many stores have released this brand, and customers can now enjoy it in their own homes. Check out other Panera Bread favorites.
Noodles & Company
For a restaurant that prioritizes its menu around noodle-based entrees, Noodles & Company can provide the best, including their widely popular mac and cheese category. There’s just something about the portion sizes that make the meals desirable. The ratio between noodles and cheese is balanced, and I really love the shredded cheddar sprinkled on top. There are also variations to the mac and cheese. The Wisconsin-style bowl is coated with less cheese sauce and focuses more on the delicious noodles. The Buffalo Mac enhances the traditional flavor with green onions and hot sauce. This Mac and Cheese is on an artesian level.
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fli-A rarely disappoints with its menu. Almost any order brings its own level of satisfaction, and that’s no different with their take on the mac and cheese. This cup of mac and cheese has a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and romano mixed with soft macaroni sitting on a thick layer of cheese sauce. Out of all the options on the list, I feel like Chick-Fil-A’s version stands above all else. The cheese melts the macaroni right into your mouth and allows you to taste the blend perfectly. You are seriously missing out if you haven’t tried this mac and cheese. It’s interesting to see how many variations of mac and cheese exist in the world and how each one can cater to a specific taste. I hope this list helped give you a better insight into some of the best fast food mac and cheeses. If you’re looking for something easy to make at home, check out the best frozen mac and cheese brands instead! Or, find the perfect cheese for making homemade mac from scratch yourself.
