Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8 people
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Calories
1157 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese
Description
The recipe starts by cooking cavatappi pasta just shy of al dente, tossing it with olive oil to prevent sticking. The cheese sauce begins with melting butter and whisking in flour to make a roux, which is slowly blended with cream and milk until thickened. A blend of freshly grated cheddar, Gruyere, Romano, Parmesan, and white cheddar cheeses are added incrementally, ensuring even melting and a rich, complex flavor. Aromatics and spices, including paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, enhance the depth of the sauce.
After combining the sauce with pasta, the dish is baked in the oven to meld flavors and develop a gentle baked texture. The use of multiple cheeses provides a balance of sharpness and creaminess distinctive to the Costco version. Freshly grated cheese is recommended for optimal melting and smoothness compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
Following these steps produces a classic creamy mac and cheese with the characteristic texture and flavor layers that the dish is known for.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cavatappi pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cream
- 3 cups milk
- 3 1/2 cups White Cheddar Cheese divided, grated
- 2 cups gruyere cheese divided, grated
- 3/4 cup Romano cheese divded, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated, medium
- 1/2 Tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until just 1 minute shy of al dente (mine was 5 minutes). Drain well, then return to the pot and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil so it doesn't stick together in a clump while making the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, grate the cheeses. You are going to add the cheese in 4 stages, so it might be helpful to divide them into fourths now.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk well, cooking for one minute until completely combined and the roux begins to look a bit like wet sand.
- Slowly add the cream and 1 cup of the milk, whisking continuously, until smooth and completely combined. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, whisking and cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens a bit, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, then add 1/4 of each of the grated cheeses except the medium cheddar, which you will save just for topping the mac & cheese. Once the cheese has melted, add another 1/4 of the grated cheeses and stir until it also melts and incorporated into the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Pour half of the pasta & sauce into a large 9x13" baking dish, then sprinkle another 1/4 of the grated cheeses over that layer, then repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce, the remaining cheese and finally sprinkle the grated medium cheddar over the top.
- Transfer the macaroni & cheese to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting and better sauce texture.
- Grate and divide cheeses into portions before starting to add gradually to avoid clumping.
- Bake at 325°F to finish the dish and meld flavors.
- The combination of multiple cheeses creates depth of flavor similar to the original Costco version.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1157 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1157kcal | 58% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 54g | 108% |
| Saturated Fat | 48g | 240% |
| Cholesterol | 246mg | 82% |
| Sodium | 1601mg | 67% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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