Potbelly Mac & Cheese: Creamy Comfort in 297 Calories
What is Potbelly Mac & Cheese? It’s a rich, signature side dish on the Potbelly menu, priced at $5.49 with 297 calories, featuring creamy, three-cheese mac made with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss. This indulgent lunch option delivers warm, cheesy flavors for comfort food lovers. Pair it with a sandwich or salad for a complete meal at your local Potbelly shop. Curious about what comes on a Potbelly Mac & Cheese, its nutrition, or how to customize it? Read on for details, health insights, and why fans love it. Discover more at The Potbelly Menu.
Mac & Cheese
Creamy, three-cheese mac.
Table of Contents
You Crave a Warm, Cheesy Lunch
You’re hungry for a meal that’s creamy and satisfying without being too heavy, but many sides feel bland or lack richness. If you’re a watcher tracking points or weight, you’re asking, “Is a Mac & Cheese from Potbelly healthy?” or “How many calories in a Potbelly Mac & Cheese?” You need a dish with quality ingredients like 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 Cozy and Tasty
We’ve all had those days when a cold sandwich or light salad doesn’t hit the spot. You want a meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with simple comfort, whether grabbing a quick bite or a box for the team. Balancing indulgent taste with nutrition or dietary needs can be tough, but lunch should be a warm part of your day.
The Solution: Potbelly Mac & Cheese
The Mac & Cheese is your answer for a cozy, satisfying lunch. This Potbelly original features creamy, three-cheese mac made with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss, served warm and melty. Customize with extra toppings like breadcrumbs or hot sauce for added texture or 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 Mac & Cheese? It’s crafted with premium ingredients: creamy, three-cheese mac made with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss, blended with elbow macaroni. These components create a rich, savory dish that’s a menu standout. Potbelly uses high-quality cheeses, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Core Ingredients:
- Three-cheese mac (creamy cheddar, provolone, Swiss)
- Elbow macaroni (tender, al dente)
Toppings & Add-Ons
Make your Mac & Cheese your own with Potbelly’s flexible menu options. Add breadcrumbs for a crispy top, hot sauce for a spicy kick, or extra cheese for more richness. Request a side of sour cream or pair with a lighter item like a salad. Watchers tracking points or weight can skip extra cheese to cut fat or adjust portion size if available.
| Customization Option | Cost | Calorie Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Add Breadcrumbs | Free | +10-15 |
| Add Hot Sauce | Free | +5-10 |
| Add Extra Cheese | $0.75 | +80-100 |
| Side Sour Cream | $0.50 | +50-60 |
Pro Tip: Sprinkle black pepper for a subtle flavor boost that enhances the cheese.
Flavor and Texture: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight
The Mac & Cheese at Potbelly is a flavor-packed, comforting dish. Creamy, three-cheese blend of cheddar, provolone, and Swiss coats tender elbow macaroni, creating a warm, melty texture. This dish is a lunch favorite, distinct from other menu items like chili or sandwiches, offering a rich, cheesy taste.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Is a Mac & Cheese from Potbelly healthy? It depends on your goals. How many calories in a Potbelly Mac & Cheese? A standard serving has 297 calories, with about 12g protein from the cheese, 30g carbs from the macaroni, and 15g fat from the cheese blend. Sodium is around 700mg, moderate for some watchers. For a lighter option, skip extra cheese or pair with a vegetable side. Allergens include dairy (three-cheese blend) and gluten (macaroni); those with dairy or gluten allergies should avoid or customize accordingly. Full nutrition details are in Potbelly Menu PDF.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 297 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Total Carbs | 30g |
How to Make a Potbelly Mac & Cheese
How to make a Potbelly Mac & Cheese at home? While the exact recipe is proprietary, you can recreate a similar dish with these steps:
- Gather Ingredients: Use elbow macaroni, cheddar, provolone, Swiss cheese, milk, butter, and flour.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, and stir in shredded cheddar, provolone, and Swiss until smooth.
- Combine: Mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Finish: Serve warm, optionally topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a balanced flavor profile.
Pairing Your Mac & Cheese: Build a Full Meal
Make your Mac & Cheese a complete lunch with menu sides. Chips add a salty crunch, while a pickle spear balances the richness. Soups like tomato or broccoli cheddar bring extra warmth, and a salad adds freshness. A chocolate shake adds a sweet finish, pairing well with the cheesy mac. These pairings create a satisfying meal at any Potbelly shop.
Suggested Pairings:
- Chips: Zapp’s for a spicy twist
- Soups: Broccoli cheddar for creamy comfort
- Salads: Garden vegetable for extra greens
- Shake: Chocolate for a dessert-like touch
The Story of the Mac & Cheese: A Potbelly Favorite
What is a Potbelly Mac & Cheese? It’s a creamy, comforting addition to Potbelly’s menu, introduced as a permanent side in March 2025, rooted in the chain’s Chicago sandwich shop heritage. Featuring a three-cheese blend, it’s a beloved lunch option for fans.
Why Fans Love the Mac & Cheese
Customers rave about its creamy, cheesy flavors. “The three-cheese mix is so indulgent,” one fan says. Another notes, “It’s the perfect warm side.” This dish consistently ranks high for its comforting taste, ideal for a quick meal at a Potbelly shop.
Order Your Mac & Cheese Today
Ready for this creamy 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 Mac & Cheese delivers. See more at The Potbelly Menu.
Conclusion
Potbelly’s Mac & Cheese, priced at $5.49 with 297 calories, is a menu standout, blending creamy, three-cheese mac with elbow macaroni. Perfect for lunch lovers seeking warm, indulgent flavors, it offers customization options like breadcrumbs 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 Mac & Cheese
What is Mac & Cheese at Potbelly?
It’s a signature side, priced at $5.49 with 297 calories, featuring creamy, three-cheese mac with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss.
What comes on a Potbelly Mac & Cheese?
It includes creamy, three-cheese blend (cheddar, provolone, Swiss) with elbow macaroni.
How many calories in a Potbelly Mac & Cheese?
A standard serving has 297 calories, with 12g protein, 15g fat, and 30g carbs. See full details in Potbelly’s nutrition PDF.
Is a Mac & Cheese from Potbelly healthy?
It’s moderate at 297 calories and 700mg sodium. Skip extra cheese for fewer calories; pair with a salad for balance.
How to make a Potbelly Mac & Cheese?
Cook elbow macaroni, mix with a sauce of cheddar, provolone, and Swiss melted in milk and butter, and serve warm.