Arby’s Mac and Cheese Review 2023: Menu Prices, Nutrition & Taste Test

Ingredients

Arby's mac and cheese is made with elbow macaroni and a special creamy cheese sauce containing cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. It has a smooth, flowing consistency thanks to the blend of cheese products rather than just cheese shreds. The pasta is cooked al dente with a pleasant bite.

Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce makes this dish stand out from other fast food mac and cheese options. It has a tangy, aged cheddar flavor complemented by nutty Parmesan and salty Romano. The sauce coats each elbow noodle for flavor in every bite.

Elbow Macaroni

Tender elbow macaroni provides the base for soaking up that delicious cheese sauce. The pasta retains a satisfying texture without becoming mushy after baking.

Taste and Texture

From the first mouth-watering bite, Arby's mac and cheese delivers on its promise of creamy, cheesy goodness. There is nothing artificial tasting in the authentic aged cheddar flavor.

Creamy Smoothness

The sauce has an ultra-creamy consistency that differs from tough shredded cheese blends. It has an almost velvety mouthfeel rolling over the tongue.

Tangy and Nutty

Sharp cheddar brings tang to the forefront, allowing the nuttiness of Parmesan and bite of Romano to round out each taste. It has restrained saltiness to keep the flavor profile balanced.

Al Dente Pasta

The macaroni retains just the right amount of bite without veering into underdone territory. Each curly noodle soaks up ample sauce into all its nooks and crannies.

Portion Size

For $3.99, Arby’s serves up a satisfactory container filled with their signature mac and cheese. The circular container stands about 4 inches tall and 4.5 inches in diameter and is filled about three quarters of the way with pasta.

Enough for a Side

The portion provides enough to accompany an Arby’s sandwich or wrap combo. For those with bigger appetites, grabbing an extra order might be prudent.

Calories and Nutrition

The mac and cheese serving clocks in at 500 calories, 25 grams of fat, and 800 grams of sodium. So while tasty, it makes up a high-calorie, higher fat side choice.

Customization

For an additional cost, customers can choose to add the following extra toppings to their Arby’s mac and cheese order:

Applewood-Smoked Bacon

Smoky crisp bacon bits liven up the richness of the cheese sauce. The contrasting flavors and salty crunch take the dish to the next level.

Pulled Pork

Savory pulled pork and tender macaroni are a perfect match. Barbecue flavors infuse into the cheesy pasta for an inspired mash-up.

Jalapeños

Spicy pickled jalapeño slices bring heat to balance out the dairy and fat. Their acidic crunch cuts through creamy textures.

Value

For a fast food side order, Arby's mac and cheese is decent value at $3.99 on its own or $1.00 more to add mix-in toppings. Compared to a side salad, the mac offers greater substance and enjoyment for customers craving comfort food.

Filling Side Option

Unlike fries or potato cakes, the mac and cheese delivers ample volume to accompany an Arby’s sandwich. Its rich creaminess keeps hunger satisfied for hours.

Quality for Cost

While $3.99 seems steep, the ingredients and portion size make the cost understandable for this specialty side. The high-quality cheese sauce puts it ahead of cheaper fast food pasta bowls.

Availability

As a regular menu option, Arby’s mac and cheese is available year-round nationwide at participating locations. Hours may vary per store, with most open from 10 am to 10 pm.

Limited Time Varieties

For special promotions like the King’s Hawaiian Roast Beef launch, Arby’s occasionally rolls out unique limited-batch mac and cheese recipes only available for short stints.

everyday Sides Menu

Unlike limited time offers, the classic mac and cheese looks poised to hold down a permanent spot in Arby’s everyday sides roster also including fries, potato cakes, and more.

Mac and Cheese for Delivery or Takeout

The portability of Arby’s mac and cheese makes it an ideal pickup for taking to the office, a potluck, or enjoying at home by ordering online or via app for delivery or takeout.

Packaging

The snug-fitting mac and cheese cup and domed cover lock in heat. An outer sleeve adds further insulation to keep contents hot for the trip home.

Transport and Reheating

Foil wrapping prevents leakage or spills for tidy transport. At home, the pasta reheats nicely in the microwave without drying out or getting rubbery.

Mac and Cheese vs Sandwiches

Up against Arby’s renowned roast beef and cheddar sandwiches, how does the mac and cheese compare? The two menu items satisfy different cravings but stand up equally when what you want is creamy cheddar flavor.

Cheese Fix

For cheesy richness, Arby’s mac and cheese delivers on par with fan favorites like the Cheddar Roast Beef sandwich dressed with tangy cheddar cheese sauce.

Comfort Food Factor

When you want nostalgic, crave-busting flavors, both the familiar cheddar sandwich and cheesy baked pasta Hit the spot in similar soul-soothing fashion.

The Verdict

Arby’s new mac and cheese offering earns solid marks for its craveable cheddar creaminess and al dente noodles. The portion size suffices as a hearty side to pair with sandwiches. Overall, a delicious addition to the menu for cheese and comfort food aficionados.

Let me know if you need any adjustments or have additional requests for this article!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.