One of the carryover food items for 2022 Mardi Gras can be found in San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida. This menu item premiered in 2021 at food trucks within the park. Every version of this chicken has sold well. For 2022 Mardi Gras, the hot chicken mac and cheese shines as a very popular item. When I went to try to the “Chicken Biscuit with Red Eye Gravy” here, I was told it was a 40-minute wait for the mac and cheese. Based on reports, demand exceeded supply often.

This mac and cheese dish costs $10.99. The long menu description reads “creamy white cheddar mac and cheese topped with crispy chicken bits tossed in Nashville hot sauce and green onions.” You can also substitute hot honey or golden BBQ sauce instead of Nashville hot sauce. However, this review focuses on the hot Nashville version. Since a theme for Mardi Gras this year goes by the name of “Wilder, Louder, and Spicier”, this menu item meets the spicier part.

So how was the Mardi Gras version? First, this version rates much higher than the winter holiday version. The white cheddar mac and cheese provides a solid base for the star of the show. The portion size meets expectations at this price point. The quality of chicken exceeds standard theme park levels. In this version, the portion size of chicken appeared larger than the holiday version. That could be an illusion, but it seemed that way when I ate it.

Yes, this chicken held more heat than expected by most diners. However, the sauce also features some sweetness. The heat/spice kick hits guests after you enjoy the initial flavors. The mac and cheese will become overwhelmed by the sauce as you partake in this dish. Though this entrée fails to achieve true “Hot Nashville Chicken” levels, the flavors earn the longer queue that grows at this food truck. Though there exists a brisket mac and cheese dish at Monster’s Café, choose this one if you need meat piled on mac and cheese.

Based on how often a variety of this type of menu item appears at Universal Orlando these days, we expect to see more versions of this type of item. If in doubt for a Mardi Gras food choice, the flavors of this makes for a good experience. As always, eat like you mean it!