Will This NEW Mac 'n' Cheese in Disney World Dethrone Everyone's Favorite?

It’s no secret: here at DFB, we love cheese.

End Zone Food Court

Whether it’s the plastic variety to go with our Corn Dog Nuggets or a fancy Artisinal Cheese Board at Wine Bar George — we don’t discriminate! One of our favorite ways to eat the golden goodness is smothered in pasta. Macaroni and cheese abounds in Disney World, and we’re taking a look at two varieties that are topped with barbecued meats in this week’s THROWDOWN.

Recently, the End Zone Food Court in Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort added a NEW mac ‘n’ cheese to the menu — the Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Barbecued Beef. When I saw it listed, I noticed that it was very familiar.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Yep, I couldn’t help but notice that it had a LOT in common with the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork at Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here at DFB, we LOVE this version, so I had to give the End Zone Food Court’s rendition to see how they compare.

Barbecue Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork

Let’s start with the classic. The Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork at Flame Tree Barbecue has been an Animal Kingdom staple for us for years now, so it’s safe to say it’s one of our favorites. It’s even on our lists of the BEST meals under $15 in Disney World and top Disney foods you should put on your bucket list. Why is it so good? This $12.49 meal is not only filling, but it’s also delicious!

Just delish

It’s a Baked Macaroni and Cheese topped with Smoked Pulled Pork, Onion Rings, and Coleslaw — and the flavors work so well together. The macaroni and cheese is creamy, but with bits of crispy texture from being baked. The pulled pork is smoky and tender, and the barbecue sauce adds a delicious sweet flavor. We could order this on its own and enjoy it. On top, the onion rings provide a perfect crunch. They are perfectly fried and golden brown.

Onion Ring

What’s the new version at End Zone Food Court like? The Macaroni and Cheese Topped with Barbecued Beef is a little pricier at $13.29, but also delicious. The macaroni and cheese was also made with a spiral pasta that held onto the cheese really well, which was thick and creamy.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The barbecued beef was incredibly tender and had a nice deep & savory flavor that almost tasted smoked. Crispy fried onions and fresh green onions topped this dish. The crispy fried onions (although not as satisfying as an onion ring) did add a nice crunchy texture, and the green onions added a welcome freshness to the macaroni and cheese.

delicious

So, which was better? Well, it depends. Personally, I prefer beef to pork and thought the meat on the End Zone’s version was just a tad more enjoyable. It was incredibly tender and flavorful, and that really made the meal for me. And without the barbecue sauce and cole slaw, the barbecued beef version was less sweet and more focused on the savory, which I enjoyed. (Keep in mind that there is barbecue sauce available at End Zone Food Court if you’d like your beef version saucier).

But, the macaroni and cheese at Flame Tree’s version is a bit creamier, AND between the crispy fried onions and the onion ring — no contest! The onion ring takes the cake (er…cheese?).

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork

All in all, this really just comes down to preference. Do you like your macaroni and cheese creamier, or with more crispy edges? Are you a barbecued beef or pulled pork fan? If I had my way, I would choose the baked macaroni and cheese at End Zone Food Court with the barbecued beef, topped with green onions and a perfectly fried onion ring from Flame Tree. Alas, that is not an option. But fortunately, both were incredibly delicious and worth a try.