National Mac & Cheese Day deals: Noodles & Co. has $3 mac; Panera Bread has $2 off.
Here's a truly cheesy holiday: National Mac and Cheese Day, celebrated in its gooey goodness on Friday, July 14.
Macaroni and cheese will share the spotlight with another food this week though, as Friday is also National French Fry Day.
Whether you celebrate by whipping up classic mac and cheese from a store-bought box, cook from scratch, or order it from your favorite restaurant, the comfort food can take you back in time while keeping you presently satisfied.
Mac and Cheese Day 2023 offers and a Stouffer's contest
There are far fewer bargains on mac and cheese compared to French fries this Friday, but you can get discounted food at Noodles & Company's and Panera Bread restaurants – plus taste some lobster mac & cheese at Panera restaurants in the Northeast – and enter to win an opportunity to taste a new mac from Stouffers.
If you're looking for deals, try checking the social media accounts of your favorite restaurants. For instance, MacCheesy’s will be offering a buy-one-get-one-free special Friday on all small mac and cheese dishes at its locations in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri. And JT's Grill in DeSoto, Kansas will have half-price mac and cheese all day.
And you can always make your own.
National Mac and Cheese Day: 10 delicious ways to celebrate in Nashville
Noodles & Company's Macapalooza includes a mac and cheese deal
For National Mac and Cheese Day, Noodles & Company is observing Macapalooza, a three-day celebration dedicated to Mac and Cheese, from July 14-16. During those days, Noodles Rewards members can grab a regular-sized bowl of Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, regularly priced at $7, for $3 each day.
And through the rest of July, Noodles Rewards members can get 3X points on all mac and cheese purchases and 2X points on all other purchases. Members can also get a $10 Mac & Cheese meal deal for 1,800 points, through the month's end.
Panera Bread has $2 off Mac & Cheese orders on Friday
Members of the MyPanera loyalty program can get $2 off Mac & Cheese orders in the app on Friday at participating Panera bakery-cafes. You can also get $1 off Panera Mac & Cheese in all participating supermarkets on Friday, too.
And just in time for National Mac and Cheese Day, Panera Bread is bringing back two seasonal menu items to nearly 200 Panera locations across the Northeast U.S. One of those menu items is their famous Lobster Mac & Cheese. The dish features Vermont white cheddar macaroni and cheese topped with buttered claw, knuckle lobster meat and is seasoned with Panko breadcrumbs. Also returning to those locations is Panera's Lobster Roll with lobster claw and knuckle meat, tossed in a lemon tarragon mayonnaise-based dressing on a New England Roll.
Potbelly Perks members can get free Mac & Cheese
Members of Potbelly's rewards program, Potbelly Perks, can get a free cup of Mac & Cheese with the purchase of an entrée. Perks members can also customize their Mac & Cheese with toppings including roasted red peppers, hot peppers, chili and bacon, though some of the toppings could cost extra.
The deal is available in stores, on the Potbelly web site and through the Potbelly app.
Win some of Stouffer's new Ultimate Spicy Nacho Mac & Cheese
Through Friday, July 14, you could be one of the first to try Stouffer's Ultimate Spicy Nacho Mac, made with creamy nacho cheese sauce with jalapeño puree, chili and cayenne peppers. Here's how to participate. Follow @Stouffers on Instagram. Like Stouffer's National Mac and Cheese Day post. Tag a friend and include the hashtag #sweepstakes. The dish will be available at select Walmart stores beginning in September for $3.99 and will be coming to more stores in 2024.
Celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day at home with these recipes
Forget boxed: This recipe for homemade mac and cheese with Swiss, cheddar is drool-worthy
Better with bacon: Try Anne Burrell's killer and flavorful mac and cheese with bacon
Vegan mac and cheese: Have vegan guests coming over? Make Tabitha Brown's mac and cheese
Try this: Pumpkin spice mac and cheese is a thing! Here's how to make it.
Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.
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