Costco Mac and Cheese Recipe

Costco’s baked mac and cheese is the definition of comfort food: rich, creamy, slightly salty, with that signature cheddar stretch on top. This homemade version recreates that beloved tray of cheesy goodness — using a blend of three cheeses, perfectly cooked cavatappi, and a stovetop-to-oven method that nails the texture.

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Costco Mac and Cheese Ingredients

16 oz uncooked cavatappi pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups whole milk
6 oz Romano cheese, freshly shredded (about 1½ cups)
6 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (about 1½ cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 oz cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 3 cups)

How To Make Costco Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta: Boil cavatappi in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make a roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute until it bubbles and thickens.
Add the dairy: Slowly pour in heavy cream and whole milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken.
Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Romano and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season: Add salt, white pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust as needed.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until all noodles are evenly coated.
Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Rest and serve. Let cool slightly before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Tips

Why is Costco mac and cheese so creamy?
The blend of heavy cream and cheese gives a rich, silky finish. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate, then bake as instructed, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
Want a crunchy topping?
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking and top with buttered breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Need to reheat leftovers?
Oven works best. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

What To Serve With Costco Mac and Cheese

Rotisserie chicken — Just like the classic Costco pairing.
Steamed broccoli or green beans — A simple veggie contrast.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls — Because carbs on carbs just works.

How To Store Costco Mac and Cheese

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Oven: 350°F for 20 minutes (best for texture)
Microwave: Stir halfway through to heat evenly
From frozen: Add 10–15 minutes to bake time if reheating straight from freezer

Costco Mac and Cheese Nutrition Facts

Calories: 1049 kcal per serving
Carbs: 67g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 66g
Sodium: 1598mg
Saturated Fat: 40g
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 6 servings.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta?

Yes. Elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work — but cavatappi holds sauce beautifully.

Can I swap the cheese?

Definitely! Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda add richness. Keep cheddar as your base for Costco-style flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and swap flour with a GF flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.

What if I don’t have white pepper?

You can substitute with a smaller amount of black pepper, but white pepper gives a subtle heat without dark flecks.