19. Popeyes’ Mac and Cheese
Popeyes is known for bold flavors, but their mac and cheese is surprisingly bland. It’s baked, but the top often lacks crunch, and the inside is thick and gluey. The cheese sauce doesn’t have that creamy texture you want in comfort food—it’s more like a thickened soup. Some batches come out gritty or grainy, and reheated portions suffer from curdled cheese and dried-out pasta. It also lacks seasoning, which is disappointing coming from a chain that usually nails spicy and savory. If you want a good side at Popeyes, stick with the red beans and rice or fries.