Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese Review

Macaroni and cheese isn’t just a meal in Canada; it’s practically a national institution. From humble beginnings in 1937, when Kraft first introduced its boxed wonder, “Kraft Dinner,” it quickly cemented its place in Canadian kitchens and hearts. For generations, this simple combination of pasta and melted cheese has been the ultimate comfort food, a go-to for chilly evenings, quick lunches, and a nostalgic trip back to childhood. It’s the dish that universally makes your day better, especially when enjoyed steaming hot. As lovers of all things cheesy and comforting, the emergence of fast-food macaroni and cheese options always piques our interest. Recently, my 10-year-old daughter and I embarked on a culinary quest to try Arby’s new White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese. What we found was a dish that taps into that beloved Canadian comfort food heritage, offering a creamy, satisfying experience with a distinctive Arby’s twist.

The Enduring Legacy of Mac and Cheese in Canada

Before diving into Arby’s rendition, let’s take a moment to appreciate the profound connection Canadians have with macaroni and cheese. Our love affair began in the midst of the Great Depression, when Kraft’s boxed mac and cheese offered an affordable, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meal. Its convenience and comforting taste quickly made it a staple, transcending socio-economic barriers to become a household name.

For many Canadians, “Kraft Dinner” (or KD, as it’s affectionately known) isn’t just a brand; it’s a cultural touchstone. It evokes memories of after-school snacks, family dinners, and a reliable source of warmth and satisfaction. This deep-seated affection means any new mac and cheese offering, especially from a national chain like Arby’s, steps into a rich culinary landscape filled with high expectations and cherished memories. It’s more than just food; it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a piece of our collective culinary identity.

Unboxing Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese: First Impressions

The anticipation was palpable as we pulled up to Arby’s, ready to sample their take on this classic dish. Handing over just $5.47 for a substantial 227-gram container, it felt like a reasonable price point for a fast-food side or a light lunch. The container itself was standard, holding a generous portion that certainly looked promising. The steam rising from the open container hinted at the warmth and comfort within, a perfect invitation on a brisk day. My daughter, a discerning mac and cheese connoisseur herself, was particularly excited.

A Closer Look at the Flavor and Texture Profile

Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese presents a straightforward yet appealing profile. It consists of classic elbow macaroni swimming in a creamy, smooth white cheddar sauce.

The Creamy White Cheddar Sauce

Upon the first bite, the aged white cheddar flavor immediately makes its presence known. Unlike the more common sharp orange cheddar found in many mac and cheese dishes, the white cheddar offers a more refined, subtler, yet distinctly tangy and savory profile. It’s a cheese choice that appeals to those who appreciate a slightly more sophisticated take on the classic.

The sauce itself is a well-crafted blend, primarily consisting of white cheddar, cream, and cream cheese. This combination ensures a luxurious smoothness and richness that coats each noodle beautifully. What truly elevates it are the subtle hints of Romano cheese, which add an extra layer of salty, piquant depth, preventing the sauce from becoming one-note.

In terms of consistency, the sauce strikes an impressive balance. It has a good amount of thickness, clinging to the macaroni without being overly gluey or heavy. It’s creamy and enveloping, but not so dense that it feels cloying. This “just right” thickness ensures a satisfying mouthfeel, allowing the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate. For fans of a genuinely smooth and uniform cheese sauce, Arby’s delivers.

The Elbow Macaroni

The pasta choice is classic elbow macaroni, a tried-and-true shape for mac and cheese that perfectly cradles the creamy sauce. Arby’s cooks their noodles to an “al dente” consistency. For those unfamiliar, “al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, referring to pasta that is cooked through but still firm when bitten, offering a slight resistance.

This “al dente” approach often sparks debate among mac and cheese enthusiasts. While some prefer a firmer bite, others, like myself, lean towards a softer, more yielding noodle in their comfort food. I personally prefer my macaroni cooked longer until it’s very tender, almost dissolving into the creamy sauce. However, Arby’s choice of al dente is a standard culinary practice that ensures the pasta holds its shape and provides a pleasant textural contrast to the smooth sauce. It suggests a focus on quality and proper preparation, even within a fast-food context.

Value, Portion, and Pairing Potential

At $5.47 for 227 grams, Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese offers decent value. This generous portion is more than enough for a light lunch on its own, especially for someone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

However, its true potential lies in its versatility. Arby’s is renowned for its delicious, oven-roasted sandwiches, and their mac and cheese makes for an excellent companion. Imagine pairing that creamy, tangy mac and cheese with a hearty, thinly sliced roast beef sandwich, or alongside a classic Reuben. The rich, savory notes of the meat would beautifully complement the comforting cheesiness of the pasta, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.

It also serves as a fantastic side dish to their famous Curly Fries, adding another layer of indulgence to your Arby’s experience. Whether you’re craving a standalone cheesy treat or enhancing your favorite Arby’s sandwich, the portion size and flavor profile make it a flexible and appealing option.

A Reviewer’s Honest Take and Kid-Approved Verdict

Despite my lifelong adoration for macaroni and cheese, Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese didn’t quite hit all the personal notes for me. While the sauce was undoubtedly creamy and well-flavored, my personal preference for a less aged cheddar profile meant it wasn’t an absolute revelation for my palate. Additionally, as mentioned, I prefer my macaroni cooked to a much softer consistency than the al dente offered. These are, of course, subjective preferences that highlight the diverse ways people enjoy their comfort food.

However, a dish’s true success often lies in its broader appeal, especially to the toughest critics: children. My 10-year-old daughter, whose mac and cheese standards are impeccably high, absolutely adored it. She devoured her portion with enthusiasm, declaring it a definite winner. This is a crucial point for families. What might be a matter of personal preference for an adult can be an unequivocal hit for a child. Her resounding approval is a strong testament to its kid-friendly appeal, confirming that it’s a dish many families will find enjoyable. And yes, based on her delight, I would absolutely buy it again for her.

Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese: Understanding the Nutrition

For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a look at the nutritional information for Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese:

• Calories: 510
• Calories from Fat: 260
• Total Fat: 29 grams
• Saturated Fat: 17 grams
• Sodium: 1120 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 44 grams
• Sugars: 13 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

This information allows consumers to make informed choices, understanding how the mac and cheese fits into their overall meal plan. It provides a significant amount of comfort and energy, making it a substantial addition to any Arby’s order.

The Arby’s Experience: Service and Brand Legacy

Beyond the food itself, the overall experience at Arby’s consistently stands out. As always, Lonnie and his staff at my local Arby’s location provided excellent service. A friendly, efficient, and welcoming staff truly enhances the fast-food experience, turning a quick meal into a pleasant interaction. This dedication to customer service is a hallmark of the Arby’s brand.

A Brief History of Arby’s in Canada and Beyond

Arby’s, founded in 1964, holds a significant place in the history of fast casual dining. It was the first nationally franchised, coast-to-coast sandwich chain in the U.S., serving fresh meals since its inception. Driven by its brand purpose of “Inspiring smiles through delicious experiences,” Arby’s restaurants are known for their wide assortment of oven-roasted sliced meats. This includes their iconic roast beef, alongside delicious chicken, roast turkey, and classic Reuben sandwiches.

Beyond the sandwiches, Arby’s is also famous for its signature Curly Fries and craveable milkshakes. In a nod to its loyal Canadian customers, Arby’s introduced delicious poutines exclusively to the Canadian market in 2018, demonstrating a commitment to local tastes. Headquartered in Atlanta, the brand operates a vast network of more than 3,400 locations across seven countries worldwide, with 56 of those cherished locations serving customers right here in Canada. This rich history and global presence underscore Arby’s commitment to quality and delicious innovation.

Grab It While You Can: Limited Time Offer

It’s important to note that Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese is currently available for a limited time at participating Arby’s locations. This fleeting availability adds an element of urgency, encouraging consumers to try it before it disappears from the menu. Limited-time offers are a great way for brands to test new items and create excitement, so if you’re curious to try this new comfort food contender, now’s the time!

Conclusion: Is Arby’s Mac ‘N Cheese Your Next Comfort Food Fix?

Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese certainly makes a compelling case for itself in the fast-food comfort food arena. While my personal preferences for specific cheddar profiles and noodle doneness meant it wasn’t my absolute favorite, its creamy texture, distinct aged white cheddar and Romano notes, and satisfying portion size make it a strong contender.

More importantly, it received the ultimate seal of approval from my 10-year-old daughter, signaling its undeniable appeal to a younger demographic. For families and individuals who appreciate the tang of aged white cheddar and an al dente bite, or simply need a delicious and convenient comfort food fix, Arby’s offering is definitely worth a try. Paired with Arby’s legendary sandwiches or enjoyed on its own, it brings a touch of that beloved Canadian mac and cheese comfort to the fast-food world.

Don’t miss your chance to try this limited-time offering. Visit Arbys.ca for more information on their menu and locations, or socially connect with Arby’s on Facebook to share your own Mac ‘N Cheese experience!