fast food mac and cheese

11 Best Fast Food Mac and Cheese Options 

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Do you ever feel the need for a comforting, creamy bowl of mac and cheese? If so, fast food restaurants can offer great options that still provide delicious and filling indulgent meals. 

Comparison Table

Rank Name of the Fast Food Features Review
1. KFC Decadent, delicious mac and cheese; Topped with iconic Popcorn Chicken; Creamy combination with a rich cheese blend Full Review
2. Bojangles  Indulgent and nutritious mac and cheese; Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and flaky biscuits; Crispy french fries seasoned with secret spices; Flavorful and light crispy chicken Full Review
3. Bush’s Chicken Unique Southern twist on mac and cheese; Zesty brown sugar hickory baked beans added; Crumbled bacon as a crowning glory; Delicious, crispy fried chicken Full Review
4. Noodles & Company Signature American noodle dish; Four flavor options to choose from; BBQ Chicken Mac and Buffalo mac favorites; Classic Wisconsin-style mac and cheese Full Review
5. Boston Market A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a flavorful punch; Rotini noodles instead of elbow macaroni; Cheese sauce trapped between the spirals Full Review
6. Panera Bread Delicious white cheddar sauce with savory flavors; Creamy and tangy balance of flavors; Flavorful and filling macaroni dish Full Review
7. Chick-Fil-A Three-cheese blend for irresistibly cheesy flavor; Creamy cheese sauce with extra layers of cheese; Classic mac and cheese with maximum cheesy goodness Full Review
8. Popeye’s  Comforting mac and cheese with a homemade flavor; Creamy, thick cheddar sauce with classic noodles; Gooey finish and deep cheddar flavor Full Review
9. Dave’s Hot Chicken Zesty and rich in flavor; Crunchy texture with al dente macaroni; Creamy cheese sauce with spicy pepper seasoning; Delightful layers of flavor Full Review
10. Arby’s Loaded Creamy cheddar cheese and macaroni noodles; Loaded with thick cuts of bacon and crispy chicken; Savory main course or side dish option; Bursting with flavor and optional shredded cheese topping Full Review
11. Golden Chick Premium ingredients for classic mac and cheese; Smooth, creamy sauce with mellow cheesiness; Perfect accompaniment to crispy chicken tenders Full Review

What are the best fast food mac and cheese options? You can find great options at nationwide chains like KFC, Panera Bread, or Chick-Fil-A. If you want something more regional and interesting, you can also try Bojangles, and Bush’s Chicken, among others. 

In this post, we’re diving deep into some of the best available fast food mac and cheese options out there. From classic comfort foods with rich sauces to fancier variations on a theme – these are all worth trying out! 

What Makes Mac and Cheese Great? 

Macaroni and cheese is everyone’s comfort food. But why? What makes mac and cheese so irresistible? Let’s break down the elements that make this classic dish so delicious. 

Cheese Sauce 

The most important part of any mac and cheese is its creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s what gives mac and cheese its signature texture and flavor. 

cheese sauce

The most popular cheeses to use are Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, and Gruyere, but the possibilities are endless. Different combinations of these cheeses can be used to create unique flavor profiles. 

For example, a combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere creates a more complex flavor than if only one type of cheese was used alone. 

Each fast food chain may have its own delicious cheese sauce that makes its mac and cheese one-of-a-kind. This is also the most important factor to consider when choosing a delicious mac and cheese offer. 

Pasta 

The pasta in mac and cheese is also an essential element in creating the perfect dish. 

macaroni

Most recipes call for elbow macaroni or small shells because they have nice ridges that help hold onto the sauce better than other types of pasta. However, different shapes can be experimented with to create a unique signature look. 

Toppings 

Macaroni and cheese can also be topped with breadcrumbs or herbs like parsley or thyme for added crunch and flavor. Bacon crumbles are also a great topping option; they add an extra salty kick to this already flavorful dish! 

Some healthy restaurants also offer veggie toppings like spinach or kale as well as proteins like chicken or tuna for some added nutrition. Some fast food chains also offer their signature dish, like chicken tenders, as toppings for the mac and cheese.  

11 Best Fast Food Mac and Cheese 

If you’ve been wondering what kind of incredible dishes are lurking in the world of fast food – read on to find out some amazing fast food mac and cheese dishes.

1. KFC 

KFC is an American fast food fan favorite. Founded in 1930, the restaurant chain has over 20,000 locations worldwide and specializes in mouth-watering fried chicken. 

KFC mac and cheese

On their menu, you’ll also find wings, sandwiches, sites like mashed potatoes and coleslaw, plus classic desserts. And, of course, KFC has a Mac and Cheese offering that is a decadent, delicious dish that has its iconic Popcorn Chicken as toppings! 

You won’t be disappointed in KFC’s classic take on this timeless favorite. Mac and cheese are crafted with a rich cheese blend and al dente macaroni noodles that come together to create a creamy combination everyone will love. 

To top it off, you can choose to get your Mac and Cheese accompanied by other KFC signatures for an unbeatable flavor pairing – fried chicken crispy goodness meeting luscious cheese bliss. 

Whether it’s for a quick lunch break at work or gathering around the dinner table with friends and family, KFC is always a tasty treat. With its Kentucky roots still entwined in history, there’s no denying that this classic combo will always be a crowd-pleaser.

2. Bojangles 

Bojangles is an American regional fast food chain famously known for its cajun-seasoned fried chicken and flaky buttermilk biscuits.  

Bojangles mac and cheese

Everything on the menu is made with farm-fresh ingredients and served fresh throughout the day. People love how flavorful and juicy the fried chicken is, yet light and crispy on the outside. 

Another popular favorite is Bojangles’ Cajun pintos – crispy french fries that have been perfectly seasoned with a blend of their secret cajun spices. 

Bojangles offers a Mac and Cheese dish that is both indulgent and nutritious, sure to tantalize your taste buds. With only 280 cal in each serving and rich, creamy cheese infused with tasty toppings, you’re getting an amazing treat that won’t sabotage your nutritional goals. 

Perfect for lunch or dinner, this mac and cheese dish will delight and satisfy, bite after bite. If you’re looking to add some genuine flavor to mealtime, then this mac and cheese from Bojangles just might be the dish for you! 

Every spoonful of the smooth and cheesy pasta promises a flavor-packed experience, making it a must-have for any foodie! 

3. Bush’s Chicken

Bush’s Chicken is a fast food chain serving up delicious, crispy fried chicken. Unlike other options, their fried chicken stands out in taste and quality. 

As a bonus, they offer a variety of sides to complement your meal, from made-from-scratch mashed potatoes to macaroni & cheese. 

Bush’s Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect treat for those looking for a little zest in their mac and cheese. This Texas-based chain has long been known for its delicious Southern-style fried chicken, and they definitely do mac and cheese like no one else! 

Each serving is only 260 calories. 

The unique twist in their Mac and cheese is created by pouring on some zesty brown sugar hickory baked beans. And then, to top it all off, they sprinkle crumbled bacon as the crowning glory, adding flavor and crunch to every bite. 

It’s definitely a unique Southern twist to the classic dish and will surely surprise even the Mac and Cheese purists! 

4. Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company is an American fast-casual restaurant that provides tasty noodle dishes sure to please all palates. 

Noodles & Company mac and cheese

Serving international and American dishes, it provides a wide variety of options from traditional pasta to Japanese pan noodles, Bangkok curry, to Wisconsin mac & cheese. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

If you love mac and cheese, Noodles & Company has an entire category on their menu just for this signature American noodle dish. There are four options to choose from. 

The BBQ Chicken Mac is made with grilled chicken, crispy jalapenos, and tangy barbecue sauce. The Buffalo Mac is also a fan favorite, with parmesan chicken and Frank’s Red Hot® Buffalo Wings Sauce. 

For a classic taste of Wisconsin-style mac and cheese, try a savory blend of cheddar and jack cheeses with cream and elbow macaroni. Lastly, they also have a gluten-free option that is no less delicious thanks to a classic blend of cheeses. 

Whichever flavor you choose, you’ll enjoy a unique and delicious blend of flavors that only this fast-food chain can offer. 

5. Boston Market

Boston Market is a restaurant chain that serves fast casual food. Founded in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985, the goal behind Boston Market was to bring home-cooked meals away from home. 

With their promise of freshly-prepared and quality ingredients, they quickly began to spread across the nation and soon opened many locations throughout the U.S. 

From hearty sandwiches and savory side dishes to delicious desserts and signature beverages – there’s something for everyone at Boston Market’s convenient locations. Their Mac and Cheese offer is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that packs a flavourful punch! 

Not just your typical Mac and cheese, Boston Market’s version takes it to a whole new level with the use of rotini noodles instead of the classic elbow macaroni. 

But that’s not all that makes this delicious dish special. The cheddar cheese sauce is trapped between the spirals of each noodle, making it extremely satisfying to eat! 

Every layer of mac and cheese brings a medley of different flavors, from the crunchy al dente pasta to the silent burst of cheesy goodness in between. This is definitely an upgrade on everyone’s favorite comfort food.  

6. Panera Bread

Panera Bread is an ever-growing chain of bakery-café fast-casual restaurants that has been satisfying the appetites of customers all across the country for decades. 

With over two thousand locations and an impressive menu featuring a large variety of bread, pastries, salads, sandwiches, and much more, it’s no wonder why Panera Bread continues to be one of the most popular dining establishments in the United States. 

Panera Bread mac and cheese

Panera Bread Mac and Cheese is an indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy any craving. Crafted with a delicious white cheddar sauce, these macaroni noodles boast strong savory flavors and a rich taste that will surely linger on your tastebuds. 

Its combination of creaminess and tanginess makes it the perfect balance of flavor while still being hearty and filling. The overall experience is unmatched—you’ll be sure to find yourself reaching for seconds. 

You can enjoy it as your favorite weeknight meal or a complete comfort food dish. This is an incredibly flavorful macaroni dish that’s both unique and comforting at the same time.

Not only does this restaurant offer mouth-watering menu items, but it also provides a homey atmosphere with comfortable seating.  

7. Chick-Fil-A

Chick-fil-A is an iconic piece of American culture. This chain is famously known for its chicken sandwiches, distinguishing itself from other fast food restaurants. 

chick fil A mac and cheese

The chain has experienced rapid growth over the years, now boasting more than 2,400 locations across the United States, becoming America’s largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain. 

Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese is a delicious and satisfying cheese macaroni recipe that is sure to please! 

Their creamy cheese sauce is made of a three-cheese blend that includes parmesan, cheddar, and romano, which makes for an irresistibly cheesy flavor that is perfect to top off the macaroni. 

The sauce is all creamy cheese bliss, while the extra baking step adds a crispy texture with extra mouth-watering layers of cheese. This is a wonderful harmony of flavor and texture that can be both comforting and surprising. 

So if you’re looking for a classic mac and cheese dish with maximum cheesy goodness, Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese is definitely a must-try. 

8. Popeye’s 

Popeyes is an American icon, with thousands of stores spanning the entire nation. It’s well-known for its delicious Cajun-style fried chicken, which is prepared using authentic spices and seasonings. 

In addition to their delicious fried chicken, they also offer a wide variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, red beans, rice, and of course, mac, and cheese.

Popeye’s Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food option for any occasion. This dish is sure to bring back childhood memories of that homemade flavor with a few modern touches. 

Every forkful will fill your mouth with creamy, thick cheddar sauce that wraps around classic noodles. With each bite of Popeye’s Mac and Cheese, you’ll be delighted by the gooey finish and deep cheddar flavor. 

It’s an ideal entree for any meal – from weekday dinners to special gatherings. If you are looking for an easy dinner solution, it’s definitely a taste of home that you can return to again and again. 

9. Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken is proving to be more than just a passing fad. Originating from Nashville’s iconic hot chicken, the brand has taken off and captured the hearts of foodies everywhere! 

As tried-and-true as the flaky fried exterior and zesty spice layer, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers both carryout and counter-serve options. Enjoy that classic Nashville flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen or visit them for a quick bite and get ready for a unique eating experience. 

If you are craving a delicious dish that is rich with flavor, look no further than Dave’s Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese! 

The macaroni is cooked al dente for a crunchy texture that brings the zesty flavors to life. The creamy cheese sauce provides an inviting balance to the spicy pepper seasoning, giving your taste buds an unforgettable experience. 

Every bite reveals delightful layers of flavor that keep you going back for just one more forkful! So if you’re looking for a delectable and zesty dinner option, this is definitely a great option. 

10. Arby’s Loaded

Arby’s Loaded Mac and Cheese are made with real butter, combined with creamy cheddar cheese and delightful macaroni noodles. Every bite will be bursting with flavor. 

However, the real treat is the thick cuts of bacon and crispy and juicy chicken that’s loaded into the mac and cheese to create a truly satisfying experience. For those who want something extra special, add some shredded cheese on top for an even creamier sauce.

You can enjoy this savory treat as a main course or side dish. Either way, you can trust that our hearty dish has all the refreshingly robust flavors that you are looking for in a meal.  

11. Golden Chick 

For anyone who loves fried chicken and lives in Texas, Golden Chick is a must-try fast food chain. The restaurant has become known for its signature crispy chicken tenders that have been perfected into an art form: lightly battered, juicy, and delicious. 

Golden Chick mac and cheese

Even the pickiest of eaters won’t be disappointed by this Texas favorite. And, of course, Golden Chick’s Mac and Cheese is the perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s menu, which is famous for chicken tenders, fried chicken, and chicken sandwiches. 

This classic mac and cheese dish is made with premium ingredients. The smooth, creamy sauce offers a perfect balance of mellow cheesiness and comforting elbow pasta, which makes this a go-to pleaser for all ages. 

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