Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many years. It’s simple, yet delicious, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One popular way to enjoy mac and cheese is from Panera Bread, which offers its own version of the dish.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Panera Mac and Cheese, exploring its taste, texture, appearance, nutrition information, cost, availability, benefits and drawbacks.
Overview of Panera Mac and Cheese
Panera’s Mac and Cheese is made with elbow macaroni noodles that are cooked al dente and combined with a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. The dish is topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for added texture. It is available as an entrée or side dish at all Panera locations nationwide.
Taste and Texture
The taste of Panera Mac and Cheese is rich and creamy with a hint of sharpness from the cheddar cheese. The noodles are cooked perfectly al dente so they still have some bite to them, while the cheese sauce is velvety smooth. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunchy texture to the dish as well.
Appearance and Presentation
Panera’s Mac and Cheese looks like a classic bowl of macaroni and cheese with its bright orange color from the melted cheddar cheese sauce. The noodles are evenly coated in the cheesy sauce, making it a visually appealing dish. It is presented in an individual bowl or tray depending on whether you order it as an entrée or side dish.
Nutrition Information
Panera Mac and Cheese contains 500 calories per serving when ordered as an entrée or 250 calories when ordered as a side dish. It also contains 20 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 790 milligrams of sodium and 7 grams of sugar per serving.
Cost and Availability
Panera Mac and Cheese is available at all Panera locations nationwide for $6.99 when ordered as an entrée or $3.99 when ordered as a side dish. It can also be ordered online through the Panera website or mobile app for delivery or pickup at select locations.
Benefits of Eating Mac and Cheese from Panera
There are several benefits to eating mac and cheese from Panera including: it’s made with high-quality ingredients like cheddar cheese; it’s available at all locations nationwide; it’s affordable; it’s easy to order online for delivery or pickup; it has a rich flavor; it’s filling; it has a good balance of nutrients; it’s vegetarian-friendly; and it comes in individual servings so you don’t have to worry about leftovers spoiling quickly.
Drawbacks of Eating Mac and Cheese from Panera
While there are many benefits to eating mac and cheese from Panera, there are also some drawbacks including: it can be high in calories if eaten as an entrée; it can be high in sodium; it can be difficult to find vegan or dairy-free alternatives; there are limited customization options; and it may not be suitable for those who have allergies or dietary restrictions due to the use of dairy products in the recipe.
Final Verdict on Panera Mac and Cheese
Overall, Panera Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions. It has a rich flavor that will satisfy any craving for macaroni and cheese, plus it’s affordable and available at all locations nationwide for delivery or pickup orders online.
The only real drawback is that it can be high in calories if eaten as an entrée so those watching their weight should opt for the smaller side dish portion instead.
Alternatives to Panera Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for alternatives to Panera Mac & Cheese there are plenty out there! Some vegan-friendly options include:
- Daiya Deluxe White Cheezy Mac & Cheeze;
- Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze Bowl;
- Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheddar Style Deluxe Cheezy Mac;
- Dr Praeger’s Kale Veggie Burgers with Creamy Cashew Cheeze Sauce;
- Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger with Cheezy Sauce;
- Beyond Burger Plant Based Patties with Vegan Cheddar Style Slices & Chipotle Mayo Sauce;
- Field Roast Chao Slices Original with Tomato Basil Chao Creamy Original Sauce on Toast;
- Beyond Meat Beast Burger Patties with Daiya Dairy Free Cheddar Style Shreds & Chipotle Mayo Sauce on Toast;
- Quorn Vegan Burgers with Vegan Cheddar Style Slices & Chipotle Mayo Sauce on Toast;
- Lightlife Smart Patties Plant-Based Burgers with Vegan Cheddar Style Slices & Chipotle Mayo Sauce on Toast;
- MorningStar Farms Grillers Original Veggie Burgers with Daiya Dairy Free Cheddar Style Shreds & Chipotle Mayo Sauce on Toast;
- Boca All American Flame Grilled Veggie Burgers with Daiya Dairy Free Cheddar Style Shreds & Chipotle Mayo Sauce on Toast;
- Gardein Classic Meatless Meatballs Marinara with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast;
- Tofurky Italian Sausage Patties with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Lightlife Jumbo Smart Dogs Plant-Based Hot Dogs with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Quorn Vegan Hot Dogs with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Boca All American Flame Grilled Veggie Hot Dogs with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Sliders with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Beyond Meat Beast Sliders Plant-Based Patties with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Lightlife Smart Patties Plant-Based Sliders with Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce on Toast ;
- Quorn Vegan Sliders With Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce On Toast ;
- Boca All American Flame Grilled Veggie Sliders With Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds & Marinara Sauce On Toast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Panera Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions. It has a rich flavor that will satisfy any craving for macaroni and cheese plus its affordable price makes it accessible to everyone! However, keep in mind that if you’re watching your weight then you should opt for the smaller side dish portion instead since the entrée size can be quite high in calories!