Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food staple, but not all bowls are created equal. To test how different restaurants in Green stack up, I sampled several mac and cheese options over two weeks.

The first stop was Arby’s on Massillon Road, known for its white cheddar mac and cheese. Expectations were high, but the dish disappointed. The noodles were undercooked, and the cheese sauce lacked seasoning. The presentation appeared watery and unappetizing, suggesting it may have been microwaved. Overall, it fell short of a satisfying option.

Next was Giant Eagle’s hot soup bar. At $4.99 for a regular cup, the portion was generous. The dish was creamy, cheesy, and thick, with oversized noodles. The first bite was enjoyable, though the flavors became less balanced after several tastes. While not the best overall, it was a convenient and affordable choice for a quick serving.

Gionino’s mac and cheese pizza offered a creative twist on the classic dish. Though unconventional, the pizza was flavorful, with a creamy sauce that complemented the toppings without becoming messy. This option stood out for its consistency and unique flavor profile, earning high marks as one of the strongest contenders.

Finally, Noodles & Company on Massillon Road provided several mac and cheese variations, including pulled pork, garlic bacon, and buffalo chicken ranch. For comparison, the plain version was ordered. The dish was tasty and reasonably priced at $7.50, though it resembled elevated microwave food. Despite this, the portion size and flavor made it a solid choice.

Among traditional mac and cheese options, Noodles & Company ranked highest. For creativity, Gionino’s pizza was the standout. Arby’s was the weakest competitor, while Giant Eagle provided a middle-ground option for value and convenience.