Potbelly Chili Mac: Hearty Comfort in 300 Calories
What is Potbelly Chili Mac? It’s a warm, signature dish on the Potbelly menu, priced at $5.49 with 300 calories, featuring hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers, and onions topped with creamy, three-cheese mac. This comforting lunch option delivers bold flavors for fans of hearty meals. Pair it with a sandwich or salad for a complete meal at your local Potbelly shop. Curious about what comes on a Potbelly Chili Mac, its nutrition, or how to customize it? Read on for details, health insights, and why fans love it. Discover more at The Potbelly Menu.
Chili Mac
Hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers and onions topped with our creamy, three-cheese mac.
Table of Contents
You Crave a Warm, Filling Lunch
You’re hungry for a meal that’s hearty yet not too heavy, but soups feel bland or sides lack substance. If you’re a watcher tracking points or weight, you’re asking, “Is a Chili Mac from Potbelly healthy?” or “How many calories in a Potbelly Chili Mac?” You need a dish with quality ingredients like beef and cheese, balanced with nutrition facts that fit your goals, and easy to order from a shop or box for a group.
We Understand – Lunch Should Be Warm and Satisfying
We’ve all had those days when a cold sandwich or light salad doesn’t hit the spot. You want a meal that combines bold, warm flavors with comforting textures, whether grabbing a quick bite or a box for the team. Balancing hearty taste with nutrition or dietary needs can be tough, but lunch should be a cozy part of your day.
The Solution: Potbelly’s Chili Mac
The Chili Mac is your answer for a warm, satisfying lunch. This Potbelly original features hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers, and onions, topped with creamy, three-cheese mac. Customize with extra toppings like hot sauce or sour cream for added flavor. Order at a Potbelly shop or online for a meal that comforts. For more menu ideas, check Potbelly Sandwiches Menu.
Main Ingredients
What comes on a Potbelly Chili Mac? It’s crafted with premium ingredients: hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers, and onions, topped with creamy, three-cheese mac (made with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss). These components create a rich, savory dish that’s a menu standout. Potbelly sources high-quality beef, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Core Ingredients:
- Beef chili (hearty, with kidney beans, peppers, onions)
- Three-cheese mac (creamy cheddar, provolone, Swiss)
Toppings & Add-Ons
Make your Chili Mac your own with Potbelly’s flexible menu options. Add hot sauce, sour cream, or green onions for a spicy or creamy twist. Request extra cheese for a richer flavor or adjust portion size if available. Watchers tracking points or weight can skip extra cheese to cut fat or pair with a lighter side like a salad.
| Customization Option | Cost | Calorie Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Add Hot Sauce | Free | +5-10 |
| Add Sour Cream | $0.50 | +50-60 |
| Add Green Onions | Free | +5-10 |
| Extra Cheese | $0.75 | +80-100 |
Pro Tip: Add a dash of hot sauce to enhance the chili’s bold flavors.
Flavor and Texture: A Warm, Savory Delight
The Chili Mac at Potbelly is a flavor-packed, comforting dish. Hearty beef chili with kidney beans, peppers, and onions blends with creamy, three-cheese mac, creating a warm, satisfying texture. This dish is a lunch favorite, distinct from other menu items like sandwiches or soups, offering a robust, cheesy taste.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Is a Chili Mac from Potbelly healthy? It depends on your goals. How many calories in a Potbelly Chili Mac? A standard serving has 300 calories, with about 15g protein from the beef and cheese, 28g carbs from the mac, and 16g fat from the cheese and chili. Sodium is around 900mg, moderate for some watchers. For a lighter option, skip extra cheese or pair with a vegetable side. Allergens include dairy (three-cheese mac), gluten (mac pasta), and beef; opt for a smaller portion for dietary adjustments. Those with dairy or gluten allergies should avoid or customize accordingly. Full nutrition details are in Potbelly Menu PDF.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Total Carbs | 28g |
How to Make a Potbelly Chili Mac
How to make a Potbelly Chili Mac at home? While the exact recipe is proprietary, you can recreate a similar dish with these steps:
- Gather Ingredients: Use ground beef, kidney beans, bell peppers, onions, canned tomatoes, chili seasoning, elbow macaroni, cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheese.
- Cook Chili: Brown beef, add diced peppers and onions, then stir in beans, tomatoes, and seasoning; simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare Mac: Cook macaroni, drain, and mix with melted cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheese for a creamy sauce.
- Assemble: Spoon chili into a bowl, top with cheesy mac.
- Finish: Serve warm, optionally with hot sauce or sour cream.
Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor that stands up to the chili.
Pairing Your Chili Mac: Build a Full Meal
Make your Chili Mac a complete lunch with menu sides. Chips add a salty crunch, while a pickle spear complements the richness. Soups like chicken noodle or garden vegetable bring extra warmth, and a salad balances the meal. A chocolate shake adds a sweet finish, pairing well with the savory chili. These pairings create a satisfying meal at any Potbelly shop.
Suggested Pairings:
- Chips: Zapp’s for a spicy twist
- Soups: Chicken noodle for complementary flavor
- Salads: Garden vegetable for extra greens
- Shake: Chocolate for a dessert-like touch
The Story of the Chili Mac: A Potbelly Favorite
What is a Potbelly Chili Mac? It’s a hearty, comforting addition to Potbelly’s menu, introduced as a permanent item in February 2025, rooted in the chain’s Chicago sandwich shop heritage. Featuring beef chili and three-cheese mac, it’s a bold lunch option loved by fans.
Why Fans Love the Chili Mac
Customers rave about its warm, bold flavors. “The chili and mac combo is so comforting,” one fan says. Another notes, “The three-cheese topping makes it perfect.” This dish consistently ranks high for its hearty taste, ideal for a quick meal at a Potbelly shop.
Order Your Chili Mac Today
Ready for this hearty classic? Visit a Potbelly shop or order online via Potbelly’s website for pickup or delivery. Customize with your favorite toppings and check nutrition facts to fit your weight or points goals. Whether for a solo lunch or a box for sharing, the Chili Mac delivers. See more at The Potbelly Menu.
Conclusion
Potbelly’s Chili Mac, priced at $5.49 with 300 calories, is a menu standout, blending hearty beef chili with kidney beans, peppers, and onions, topped with creamy, three-cheese mac. Perfect for lunch lovers seeking warm, savory flavors, it offers customization options like hot sauce or extra cheese for watchers tracking points or weight. Pair it with chips, soups, or a chocolate shake for a full meal. Order at a Potbelly shop or online, and check nutrition details in the Potbelly Menu PDF to plan your next cozy lunch.
FAQs About the Chili Mac
What is Chili Mac at Potbelly?
It’s a signature dish, priced at $5.49 with 300 calories, featuring beef chili with kidney beans, peppers, onions, and three-cheese mac.
What comes on a Potbelly Chili Mac?
It includes hearty beef chili (with kidney beans, bell peppers, onions) topped with creamy, three-cheese mac.
How many calories in a Potbelly Chili Mac?
A standard serving has 300 calories, with 15g protein, 16g fat, and 28g carbs. See full details in Potbelly’s nutrition PDF.
Is a Chili Mac from Potbelly healthy?
It’s moderate at 300 calories and 900mg sodium. Skip extra cheese for fewer calories; pair with a salad for balance.
How to make a Potbelly Chili Mac?
Cook beef chili with beans, peppers, and onions, prepare three-cheese mac, layer together, and serve warm.
