Pasta has long been a partner to pizza as one of the most popular foods in America. And when it comes to pasta, no other dish captures Americans’ hearts like mac & cheese – the number 1 pasta dish on menus according to Datassential. “Mac & Cheese is a menu item that appeals to just about every guest,” says Barilla for Professionals Chef Brad Walker, “It allows operators to differentiate their menus creatively without adding a lot of SKUs or complexity to the back of house.” In a competitive segment like pizza, versatility and appeal is essential, helping operators drive sales and traffic…profitably. According to a recent Menu Matters Pizza Operator Survey, 75% are menuing pasta; most readers already have what they need in-house to take advantage of the Mac appeal! Here are some tips for the mac and cheese on your menu from Barilla for Professionals, the pasta experts:
Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to chicken out!
Chicken in various forms – tenders, strips, fried or grilled — own 4 of the top 5 growth ingredients in mac and cheese. Use what you have in house to top your mac.
Korean Fried Chicken Mac N Cheese: www.barillaforprofessionals.com/en-us/recipes/korean-fried-chicken-mac-n-cheese/
Tip #2: Lean into luxury
Guests are loving the “hi-lo” treatment, where luxury ingredients pair up with comfortable, familiar and affordable favorites. Mac and Cheese is the perfect platform for this trend. Have a truffle oil, imported cheese or high-end protein in your pantry? Add it to the mac and instantly add value that guests will pay for.
Tip #3: Get Into (New) Shapes
Classic elbows will always top the list for mac and cheese pasta shapes – and for good reason, as the durable, nostalgic tubes are practically built for it! However, a little variety in pasta shape can easily make your mac a signature. Think pipette, cavatappi/cellentani or even ditalini as an easy differentiator.
Tip #4: Mac and Cheese = Labor Ease
One of Mac and Cheese’s superpowers is that it performs best prepped ahead and topped and finished for on-premise service or delivery.
American-Style Macaroni and Cheese with Elbows: www.barillaforprofessionals.com/en-us/recipes/american-style-macaroni-and-cheese-with-barilla-elbows-3/
Quick Tips to Max Your Mac
- Keep it fresh with seasonal veggies and rotating specials
- Transform your signature pizza into a mac with the same flavor build
- Turn up the heat with spicy meats, chilies or hot sauces
For more Mac Facts and resources visit www.BarillaForProfessionals.com.
