# Macaroni-Stuffed Grilled Cheeses Panera is Serving Up a New Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2021-09-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-mac-and-cheese-sandwich References: [brandeating](https://www.brandeating.com/2021/09/panera-adds-new-grilled-mac-and-cheese-sandwich-and-sausage-pepperoni-flatbread-pizza.html) Just in time for comfort food season, [Panera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sausage-pepperoni-flatbread-pizza) has debuted a tasty new Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich and a new Sausage & Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza. Just as the name suggests, the new Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich is a tasty mashup of two beloved comfort food dishes. More specifically, this cheesy sandwich combines [creamy mac & cheese](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noodles-company-mac-cheese) made from a fontina and mozzarella cheese blend with parmesan crisps. This cheesy filling is then sandwiched between two slices of Classic White Miche bread. As if this hearty sandwich weren't enough, Panera is also offering a new Sausage & Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza. This savory creation combines tomato bell pepper sauce with shredded Fontina and mozzarella cheeses, chicken sausage crumbles, and thick-sliced pepperoni, all served on a flatbread pizza crust. Image Credit: Panera ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Comfort Food Mashups:** Restaurants can experiment with combining classic comfort food dishes to create unique menu offerings. - **Gourmet Fast Food:** Fast food chains can elevate their offerings and appeal to a broader customer base by offering high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. - **Hybrid Menu Items:** Combining two popular menu items can create a buzz and attract new customers to restaurants. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food restaurants can capitalize on the growing demand for unique and gourmet offerings by introducing hybrid menu items. - **Casual Dining:** Casual dining restaurants can experiment with comfort food mashups to offer customers unique and indulgent menu options. - **Convenience Stores:** Convenience stores can expand their food offerings beyond traditional snacks by adding gourmet, hybrid menu items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheesy Toasted Baguette Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toasted-baguette-sandwiches.md) - [Salsa-Topped Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-fiesta-chicken.md) - [Macaroni Stuffed Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beefy-mac-cheese-sandwich.md) - [Meaty Macaroni-Topped Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokestack-pork-mac-sandwich.md) - [Breaded Macaroni Patty Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macaroni-cheese-lover-sandwiches.md) - [Melty Deli Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-forest-ham-gouda-melt-sandwich.md) - [Bakery Chicken Baguette Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-bread-4.md) - [Indulgent Bakery Sandwich Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stacked-toasted-baguettes.md) - [Cheese-Filled QSR Combos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlotzskys-mac-and-cheese.md)