Verified May 11, 2026
Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese
$12.59 | 990 cal | Featured Items
Our iconic tender shell pasta in a blend of rich cheeses, topped with crispy applewood smoked bacon.
$12.59
Price
990
Calories
10-15
Prep Mins
1
Serves
$12.59
Bacon Mac & Cheese: The Full Breakdown
Panera's Bacon Mac & Cheese is a decadently creamy elevation of our signature white cheddar mac. We use tender shell pasta specifically chosen for its ability to hold onto every drop of our rich, tangy Vermont white cheddar sauce. To balance the creamy profile, we top each serving with crispy, applewood smoked bacon bits that add a savory, salty crunch.
This is more than just a side dish; it's a gourmet comfort meal that has become a staple for Panera lovers seeking something hearty and deeply satisfying.
Price Notice: We independently track Panera Bread prices. Costs may vary by location. Check your local cafe for current pricing.
Taste Notes & Fan Review
5.0
The ultimate comfort food. That white cheddar sauce is silky smooth, and the bacon adds the perfect crunch.
- Marcus Cole, Panera Insider
Nutrition & Details
Price $12.59
Serves 1 Person
Calories 990
Prep Time 10-15 mins
Category Featured Items
Last Verified May 11, 2026
Bacon Mac & Cheese: Ingredients & Allergen Info
What's Inside
Our iconic tender shell pasta in a blend of rich cheeses
topped with crispy applewood smoked bacon.
Allergen Notes
Prepared in a shared kitchen with wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts
More Panera Bread Menu Options
Exclusive Section
The 2026 Insider Taste Hack
Most people order the Bacon Mac & Cheese straight off the board. Here's the shortcut to better flavor: a few zero-cost tweaks that regulars swear by.
How to Order the Bacon Mac & Cheese Smarter
The trick is simple: customize the Bacon Mac & Cheese through the Panera app before you arrive. Swap the default bread for Sourdough (free, crunchier), request sauce on the side for dipping control, and pair it with a cup of soup in You Pick Two ($11.99) instead of ordering solo ($14+).
|
Smart Bacon Mac & Cheese Order
|
Common Mistake
|
|---|---|
| Customize your Bacon Mac & Cheese in the Panera app before arriving | Order at the register without checking customization options |
| Pair the Bacon Mac & Cheese in a You Pick Two combo ($11.99) | Order the Bacon Mac & Cheese solo at full price ($12.59) |
| Use the Panera app for order-ahead and skip the line | Wait in the lunch rush line and lose 10-15 minutes |
| Join Sip Club ($14.99/mo) if you also grab a drink | Pay $3-5 per drink every visit without a subscription |
| Check the app for MyPanera rewards before checkout | Forget to scan rewards and miss free items or discounts |
Customize Bacon Mac & Cheese in the app first
Order at register without checking options
Pair in You Pick Two ($11.99)
Order solo at full price ($12.59)
Use app for order-ahead
Wait in lunch rush line
Join Sip Club for free drinks
Pay $3-5 per drink every visit
Scan MyPanera rewards at checkout
Miss free items and discounts
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Mac & Cheese
Everything you need to know about this Panera Bread menu item
How much does Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese cost in 2026?
The Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese costs $12.59 in 2026. This price is verified across 2,100+ US locations as of May 11, 2026. Prices may vary by $0.30 to $0.50 depending on your region. You can also get it as part of a You Pick Two combo for $11.99.
How many calories are in Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese?
Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese has 990 cal per serving. This is based on the standard preparation. Customizations like extra cheese, dressing, or bread changes will affect the final calorie count. Use the Panera app for exact nutrition with your modifications.
Is Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese worth it?
At $12.59, the Panera Bacon Mac & Cheese is a solid choice in the featured items category. It offers consistent quality and fresh ingredients. For better value, order it through the You Pick Two combo ($11.99) or check the Panera app for MyPanera rewards.
What kind of cheese is in the Bacon Mac & Cheese?
We use a premium blend of cheeses, prominently featuring a tangy and smooth Vermont white cheddar sauce.
Can I get this without the bacon?
Yes! Our classic Mac & Cheese is always available, or you can simply request no bacon on this version.
Is the Bacon Mac & Cheese available in a bread bowl?
Absolutely. You can choose to have your Bacon Mac & Cheese served inside one of our freshly baked Sourdough bread bowls for the ultimate experience.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Because it contains applewood smoked bacon, it is not vegetarian. However, our signature Mac & Cheese (without bacon) is a vegetarian-friendly option.
How should I reheat my Bacon Mac & Cheese at home?
For the best results, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture, or microwave it in 30-second intervals.
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Ready to Try the Bacon Mac & Cheese?
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