When deciding what to write about this week, I was absolutely inspired by my favorite food, which I eat far more than what’s healthy. Mac n cheese is one of the most versatile, yet simple dishes on the market.
I wanted to see which mac n cheeses really held up to their standards, so here we have 5 different locations where you can get yourself a warm bowl of mac. My ratings, although subjective, are one’s of truth, and I apologize for any controversial opinions ahead. Let me know if you agree or disagree with these ratings!
After reading a few articles rating different mac n cheeses, I found that I wanted to focus on the feeling I get from each dish, along with the closer look at the noodle and the cheese sauce.
Kraft
Price: N/A
Now, Kraft here is more of a control. The rest of these reviews are from restaurants, but I felt it w
as necessary to pay homage to the OG classic, Kraft. Although the taste of Kraft mac n cheese is not the most flavorful, it does have a nostalgic aspect to it. When taking a spoonful right from the pot, it brings me back to a simpler time. Coming home to my mom cooking up some delicious macaroni. Overall, despite the lack of cheesiness (considering the cheese is powder and milk) and the mediocre taste, this mac n cheese left me satisfied with my meal.
Rating: 6/10
Noodles and Co
Price: $4.49/$5.89
I have a love-hate relationship with Noodles and Co. In my sophomore year, I used to go there weekly between my choir rehearsals with my friend Julianna, as it was between the two. Every Tuesday, I eat my own weight in mac n cheese. The stretchiness of the cheese is one that every other place on here lacks, and the small elbow noodle allows it to have that classic feeling of comfort. Although this is probably my favorite cheap macaroni and cheese, after getting food poisoning from some nasty chicken at Noodles and Co, I often question if it’s worth it to go back (it is). This macaroni is a great meal for you and a friend to sit and have a nice chat over, taking your time to enjoy.
Rating: 8/10
Panera
Price: $4.99/$7.99
Panera mac n cheese, although delicious, is one I hold little emotion to. The cheesiness, although delicious, is often a bit heavy, drowning the noodles. Their use of a large shell noodle is one that I respect greatly, as it’s shape manages to carry cheese to your mouth like a little boat. A small Panera mac n cheese is a great little to-go food for when you only have a few minutes between events…unless you get stuck in the never-ending drive-thru line. One thing to note is the huge difference between the small and large sizes. The small looks quite tiny, but it is filling, and the large is MASSIVE!! I promise you will get your money’s worth on this one.
Rating: 7/10
Potbelly
Price: N/A
I ate Potbelly mac n cheese for the first time on the AP Lit field trip. With this, I realized it was the missing piece to this mac n cheese puzzle. The cheesiness of this dish was unbelievable, and the large elbow noodles were quite classic. Despite it’s delicious smell and appearance, when you begin to bite into this meal, you are greeted with an almost bitter taste. This mac n cheese was probably the biggest let down on this list, as it left me feeling disappointed in the taste, as well as a little nauseous.
Rating: 3/10
Studio Movie Grill
Price: $10.00
You might be wondering why I chose to include this random mac n cheese recipe. Before this, every restaurant has been fairly well known, however, I need to share the glory of this meal with you, as it is the BEST mac n cheese I have ever tasted. When you think of a fancier mac n cheese, this dish comes to mind. Even so, it still has such a comforting taste and feel. The macaroni comes with two crunchy pieces of buttery garlic bread, as well as bread crumbs sprinkled perfectly across it. The curly tubed noodles, although a bit unconventional, allow you to take your time with this one, and really enjoy what you’re eating. This fine food, along with the aspect of watching a movie while eating it, is by far the best way you can treat yourself to some fancy macaroni and cheese.
Rating: 10/10
Hey Erin, I loved your blog! Like you, I am also a mac n cheese enthusiast! I agree with your selections for sure! Kraft, although you have that powdery cheese… it is still so good. This was for sure a huge part of my childhood diet and to be honest I still love a good bowl of Kraft mac n cheese. I also loved that you chose Panera because they have one of my favorites! There is so much cheese and its gooey so good. I have never heard of Studio Movie Grill so I will be sure to check out their yummy mac n cheese! Great blog.
I’m glad you liked it! I absolutely adore a good bowl of mac n cheese, so I’m glad we share that! 🙂
Erin, I never have been much of a mac ‘n cheese fan but your blog really enlightened me. Your description of the Studio Movie Grill Mac ‘n Cheese sounds astounding. Garlic bread is undoubtedly a gift of the gods. If I get the chance, I might stop by Danada Square to try it. I’m sorry to hear about you experience at Potbelly, I can’t imagine eating bad mac ‘n cheese since I already don’t like cheese. Hopefully you next mac ‘n cheese meal is good. I would agree that Kraft mac ‘n cheese is plain but original. I think the first time I had mac ‘n cheese, I was at a party and they gave me a huge glob of Kraft’s mac ‘n cheese. It tasted somewhat tasteless but it wasn’t bad, like you said. In a certain way, it is the embodiment of childhood. If you could create your own mac ‘n cheese, what would put in it to make it the ultimate mac ‘n cheese?
If I could create my own mac n cheese, I think it’d be a pretty classic dish. I’d definitely add some bread crumbs, a little parmesan, some basil maybe. I think mac n cheese is a classic dish, it shouldn’t be messed with too much. I love that I could at least remind you of the positives of the wonderful meal, even if you aren’t a fan!
Disclaimer, I HATE dairy (expect like ice cream), but I love Panera Mac and Cheese. The depth of flavor for the price cannot be beat, plus a warm baguette=uh YUM. I have personal beef with Kraft. IT ISN’T EVEN CHEESE, even their single slices are SHINY. But that’s another blog. This was very refreshing to read and was humorous way to spend my Sunday night.
Mac n cheese from Panera is so good, but just so filling!! The Kraft mac n cheese is kinda good though, like in a way that feels like “I shouldn’t eat this…but I am.” Glad you liked the blog!
Ok, I am a huge fan of mac and cheese. You have no idea just how much I needed this blog. Unfortunately, I have to say that I really did not like the mac and cheese at Panera. I don’t think it was very good and I would have to rate it very differently. I haven’t had the mac and cheese at Potbelly, so I can’t really compare, but I think it’s a huge let down when you’re expecting really good food and you end up not liking it. I think that the cheese is really what makes or breaks the mac and cheese. I’ve never had it at Studio Movie Grill, so I can’t really compare it there either. I really want to try it now though. Your description of it just made it sound so delicious. I’m currently reading this during my lunch period, and now you made me so hungry.
What is your favorite mac n cheese? I legit feel nauseous thinking about the Potbelly mac n cheese but to each their own, yanno? Anyway, I think the Panera mac n cheese really just depends on the day I eat it, so sometimes I also do not vibe with it.