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Popeyes Just Launched a New Item That's Sure to Become a Customer Favorite

Finally, the chain is putting out a new side dish.

The Sides section of Popeyes' menu is growing again, with the launch of a new item that's sure to become a favorite among its loyal fans.

After discontinuing the Cajun Rice and Green Beans earlier this year, the chain's selection of side dishes seemed a little lackluster. But the situation is about to be remedied with a new addition that fits right in with the rest of Popeyes items.

The Parent Company of Popeyes and Burger King Just Purchased This Beloved Sandwich Chain

popeyes mac and cheese
Courtesy of Popeyes

The chain just announced the launch of the new Homestyle Mac & Cheese, a craveable, creamy staple of Southern comfort food. And in case you're wondering how this version stacks up against your grandma's mac 'n' cheese, here's what's in it: noodles, butter, and lots of cheddar cheese, which then get topped with more cheese before going into the oven. So you can expect a gooey, cheesy interior with a nice golden-brown crust on top. According to the chain, it's supposed to taste just like homemade.

"We know there is nothing like a baked Mac & Cheese that's straight out of the oven," said Amy Alarcon, vice president of culinary innovation at Popeyes. "We wanted our new Homestyle Mac & Cheese to embody the spirit of home cooking, so we topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and baked it in the oven to create a golden-brown crust that compliments the rich and velvety noodles beneath."

"We know there is nothing like a baked Mac & Cheese that's straight out of the oven. We wanted our new Homestyle Mac & Cheese to embody the spirit of home cooking, so we topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and baked it in the oven to create a golden-brown crust that compliments the rich and velvety noodles beneath. We think the Homestyle Mac & Cheese is a dish that celebrates our love for rich flavors and pairs perfectly with our current Louisiana-style menu items, and we can't wait for our guests to try it."

Beyond just being a perfect side dish to add to your Family Meal or a 3-Piece Chicken Meal, the Mac & Cheese could also play a more central role in your order. If you're craving pasta, you could order the Large as a main dish and add some chicken strips to that for good measure. Or go bolder and add it as a topping in your Spicy Chicken Sandwich—something Panera is doing with their Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich launched recently. In any case, this opens up a host of new possibilities in customizing your Popeyes favorites (and if you need a little inspiration, here's how others do it.)

The new Mac & Cheese will be rolling out nationwide this week, and will be available in stores and via delivery apps.

The Louisiana-style fast-food chain has been on an innovation streak recently. In July, it finally launched Chicken Nuggets nationwide. Then in October, it announced its first-ever collaboration with a celebrity, which gave us the Meghan Thee Stallion Hottie Sauce.

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Mura Dominko
Mura is ETNT's Executive Editor, leading the coverage of America's favorite restaurant chains, grocery stores, and viral food moments. Read more about Mura