1 day Ago By [email protected] (Creshonda A. Smith)
Mac and cheese is supposed to be one of those slam dunk comfort foods that's rich, creamy, and familiar. Unfortunately, at Golden Corral (and I hate to say this), you can expect little more than to have your tastebuds assaulted by the dish; ruining what should be a nostalgic slam dunk. Even when you scoop it fresh from a just-refilled tray, it somehow manages to taste like it's been sitting for hours.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Golden Corral is supposed to feel like you're at a Michelin restaurant, but don't we want the food to be at least edible? Golden Corral's version misses the mark completely. The noodles are limp, the cheese sauce is flat, and the dish just feels like an afterthought. I know you've noticed that the mac trays seem too full long after a dent should've been made in them.
Pay attention to your senses — they won't fail you. It's definitely . Where's the creamy, cheesy comfort we came for? Let's break down what exactly fails when you go for the mac and cheese at Golden Corral.
The pasta, instead of being a soft, springy vehicle for sauce, is mushy and overcooked. And then there's the sauce, or what should be the sauce. Instead of being rich and velvety, it's watery, oddly tangy, with an unsettling, grainy texture that clings to the noodles in all the wrong ways.
There's also something bizarre about the way the pasta tastes. The macaroni noodles carry a strange, semolina-forward flavor that you just don't expect. As if that wasn't enough, there's that off-putting aftertaste that creeps in with a touch of sour at the end, making things go from bland to downright unpleasant in a matter of seconds.
Mac and cheese, which should be the simplest of hits, ends up as one of the biggest misses. If you're craving the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, you'd be better off making a box of the bright orange stuff at home. At least then you know what you're getting.
Other buffet options worth your plate space Thankfully, Golden Corral isn't a total disaster. If you're skipping the mac and cheese (and we strongly recommend you do), there are still a few worthy contenders. The fried chicken usually hits the right balance of crispy and juicy — good enough to make you wonder in the first place.
The mashed potatoes, while a bit plain, are still salvageable with a scoop of gravy. Omelets made-to-order are another safe bet if you're looking for something cheesy and customizable. The salad bar (surprisingly fresh for a buffet) lets you avoid the warm trays altogether.
And if you're feeling brave, the carving station can be decent if you get there at the right time. In short, don't let a tray of sad mac and cheese ruin your experience from . There are plenty of other dishes that deserve a spot on your plate.
Just be prepared to give this comfort food classic a hard pass, as it's not bringing the comfort. Recommended.
