4-Cheese Mac & Cheese ¥
This dish features tender penne pasta (rather than traditional elbows) tossed in a rich, creamy four-cheese sauce. It is most famous in its full-entrée form: the Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders, which is topped with crispy chicken tenders tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce and finished with Applewood-smoked bacon crumbles. It is typically served with a signature golden-brown breadstick.
Price
Prices can vary slightly based on your local franchise and delivery platform.
- Entrée (with Chicken & Bacon): Approximately $12.99 – $15.99.
- Side Order: Approximately $4.49 – $5.99.
Calories
- Full Entrée (with Chicken/Bacon/Breadstick): ~1,350 calories.
- Side Dish Portion: ~410 – 440 calories.
Ingredients
While the exact “secret” recipe is proprietary, the core components used in Applebee’s kitchens include:
- Pasta: Penne rigate (tube-shaped pasta).
- The Four-Cheese Blend: Typically a mix of Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, and Monterey Jack.
- Sauce Base: Heavy cream, whole milk, butter, all-purpose flour (roux), and minced garlic.
- Toppings: Fried breaded chicken tenders, Honey Pepper sauce (honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cayenne), and Applewood-smoked bacon.
Nutrition
Values based on the standard 1,350-calorie entrée portion.
| Nutrient | Value |
| Total Fat | 54g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Sodium | 3,230mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 159g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 44g |
| Protein | 55g |
Allergens
According to Applebee’s official allergen guide, this dish contains:
- Milk: Found in the cheese blend, cream sauce, and butter.
- Wheat/Gluten: Found in the penne pasta, the flour roux, the breaded chicken, and the breadstick.
- Soy: Often present in the breading of the chicken and the honey pepper sauce.
- Egg: Used in the breading process for the chicken tenders.
