Mac & Cheese
Creamy, comforting macaroni and cheese — tender elbow pasta folded into a rich, smooth cheese sauce. The ultimate comfort-food side and a soothing dairy counterpoint to Dave's Nashville heat.
About the Mac & Cheese
Dave's Mac & Cheese is classic comfort food done right: tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that's smooth, savory, and satisfying. It's the warm, mellow side on a menu built around bold heat — a welcome change of pace that rounds out any tender, slider, or bites order.
Mac & Cheese is also one of the smartest pairings for higher spice levels. The dairy in the cheese sauce buffers capsaicin, so a few forkfuls between hot bites genuinely cools the burn. At around 290 calories it's also one of the lighter, more kid-friendly sides — creamy enough to please picky eaters and soothing enough to balance even an Extra Hot tender. Vegetarian and endlessly crave-worthy.
What's Inside the Mac & Cheese
Elbow Macaroni
Tender elbow pasta cooked to the right bite — the shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce in every spoonful.
Creamy Cheese Sauce
A rich, smooth cheese sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Savory and comforting, it's also the dairy element that buffers Dave's Nashville heat.
Dairy & Butter
Milk and butter give the sauce its smooth, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel — the hallmark of a proper mac and cheese.
Seasonings
A balanced blend of salt and savory seasonings rounds out the cheese sauce so the flavor stays craveable without overpowering the comfort-food base.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values — may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Add Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
Stir in or drizzle the signature creamy Dave's Sauce for an extra layer of tangy flavor in the mac.
Pair with a Hot Tender
Use it as a dedicated spice-relief side — the dairy cheese sauce buffers capsaicin from your hottest tenders.
Make It a Combo Side
Swap your standard fries for Mac & Cheese in a combo for a creamier, comfort-food side.
Add to Loaded Fries Order
Order it alongside Top-Loaded Fries for a double dose of creamy, cheesy comfort.
Best Pairings
Single Tender
A Nashville-style tender with creamy mac is a perfect heat-and-comfort balance — the dairy soothes the spice.
Spice Relief
Kale Slaw
Pair creamy mac with cool, tangy slaw for a contrast of rich and fresh in the same meal.
Best Contrast
Dave's Sauce
Add a side of the signature creamy sauce to drizzle over the mac for an extra tangy kick.
Add FlavorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does Mac & Cheese cost at Dave's Hot Chicken?
Mac & Cheese costs $3.99 as a side at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. It can also be ordered as a combo side in place of fries at participating locations.
How many calories are in Dave's Mac & Cheese?
Dave's Mac & Cheese contains approximately 290 calories per side portion, making it one of the lighter sides on the menu while still delivering rich, creamy comfort-food flavor.
Is Mac & Cheese vegetarian?
Yes — Mac & Cheese is vegetarian. It contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter) so it is not vegan, and the pasta contains wheat so it is not gluten-free.
Does Mac & Cheese help with the spice?
Yes — the dairy in the cheese sauce buffers capsaicin, the compound that causes the burn in spicy food. A forkful of Mac & Cheese between bites of a Hot or Extra Hot tender is one of the most effective ways to cool the heat.
Is Mac & Cheese good for kids?
Yes — at around 290 calories with a mild, creamy flavor and no heat, Mac & Cheese is one of the most kid-friendly items on the menu. It's a reliable choice for younger or spice-averse diners.
Is Dave's Mac & Cheese gluten-free?
No — the elbow macaroni is made from wheat, so it contains gluten and is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
