Decoding Red Lobster’s Addictive Mac and Cheese Options

As a longtime Red Lobster fan, I’ve tried pretty much everything on the menu at least once. But there’s one indulgence I just can’t resist ordering nearly every time – their insanely creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

Red Lobster offers not one but two tempting mac and cheese options. In this article, I’ll break down the details on each to help you decide which irresistible mac and cheese dish best suits your cravings

Bacon Mac & Cheese

Let’s start with the OG – Red Lobster’s Bacon Mac & Cheese side dish Priced at $599 and packing 600 calories, this cheesy goodness takes classic comfort food to the next level.

Here’s what you can expect with Red Lobster’s Bacon Mac & Cheese:

• Noodles: The base is tender elbow macaroni, perfectly al dente.

• Cheese Sauce: A velvety, creamy cheddar cheese sauce coats each noodle.

• Bacon Bits: Salty, smoky bacon pieces are sprinkled generously on top.

• Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping: Toasted panko breadcrumbs provide texture.

• Ooey Gooey Cheese Pull: The hallmark of amazing mac and cheese is that satisfying pull when you lift your fork for the first bite. Red Lobster’s mac nails this crucial element.

• Addictively Craveable: Once you try it, you’ll be salivating for this mac and cheese on every future visit. It’s that habit-forming.

This ooey, gooey mac and cheese is the ultimate indulgence to complete any seafood feast. Get an order as one of your two included Cheddar Bay Biscuit sides.

Crab Mac & Cheese

If you’re craving an extra decadent twist on mac and cheese, try Red Lobster’s Crab Mac & Cheese. It takes this comfort classic over the top.

For $6.49 and 630 calories, here’s what you can expect in Red Lobster’s Crab Mac & Cheese:

• Noodles: Again made with tender macaroni with a perfect al dente bite.

• Cheese Sauce: An ultra-rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce coats each elbow.

• Crab Meat: Real crab meat, not imitation, is folded into the cheesy sauce.

• Toppings: Bacon bits and parsley are sprinkled over the top.

• Crabby Flavor: You get notes of sweet crab and briny seaflavor in every creamy bite.

• Extra Decadent: The addition of real crabmeat makes this next-level indulgent.

For seafood and mac and cheese fans alike, this crabby twist on the classic is a must-try. It’s the ultimate splurge side to complement your shrimp, lobster or fish.

How to Choose Between the Two

So how do you decide whether to order the Bacon Mac & Cheese vs. the Crab Mac & Cheese? Here are a few factors to consider:

Price: The bacon version is almost $2 cheaper if you’re on a budget.

Calories: They’re nearly equal at 600 and 630 calories respectively. Both are deliciously indulgent.

Crab Lover? The crab mac is a no-brainer for hardcore crab enthusiasts.

Classic Purist? Bacon mac has simplicity and tradition on its side.

Comfort Cravings? Bacon mac defines cheesy goodness.

Splurge Mood? Crab mac satisfies when you feel like going over the top.

Pairings: Crab mac complements seafood perfectly. Bacon mac goes with anything.

At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong either way. My advice? Try both and see which one suits your mood and cravings each visit.

Insider Tips for Ordering

As a Red Lobster regular, I’ve gathered some handy tips for ordering your mac and cheese exactly how you like it:

• Feel free to swap it for one of your included Cheddar Bay Biscuit sides at no extra charge.

• You can also add either mac and cheese as an additional side to any meal for the menu prices listed.

• Ask for extra bacon bits on the bacon mac for that smoky, salty pop.

• Substitute the crab mac in place of a side with any meal for just $2 more.

• For extra richness, ask for an extra ladle of cheese sauce on the side.

• Pair crab mac with Walts Favorite Shrimp or lobster for a perfect surf and turf meal.

• Save half for later – mac and cheese reheats beautifully the next day.

Pro hack: order one as your side and one as an extra side so you can enjoy the best of both worlds!

Why Red Lobster’s Mac and Cheese Is So Addictive

What makes the mac and cheese at Red Lobster so uniquely craveable compared to other chain restaurants? Here are a few secrets behind its addictive appeal:

• Real Cheese: The base is real, thick melted cheese sauce, not powdered mix. You can taste the difference.

• Cheddar and Monterey Jack: The blend of sharp cheddar and melty Monterey Jack gives next-level cheesy flavor.

• Elbow Noodles: The short, tubular shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite.

• Cook-to-Order: The mac and cheese is made fresh when you order, not pre-made. You can taste the homemade quality.

• Secret Recipe: Red Lobster’s exact cheese sauce recipe is proprietary to guarantee consistent deliciousness.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a reliable option for picky eaters, kids, and anyone with comfort food cravings.

• Addictive Factor: You’ll be dreaming about your next mac and cheese fix at Red Lobster. It’s that habit-forming!

So there you have it – a deep dive on the two sensational mac and cheese options at Red Lobster. Whether you’re a bacon mac loyalist or crab mac connoisseur, you really can’t go wrong with either ooey, gooey, cheesy choice. Let the noodle-pulling, cheese-oozing indulgence commence!