Rating four out of five: Costco Mac and Cheese Review

Note: I am not affiliated with Costco in any way. I only write these reviews to share my experiences I am only a fan of the company

Hi everyone, Welcome back! Today, I’m going to be reviewing this yummy, yummy mac and cheese from Costco. Now, this mac and cheese is actually sold by the pound. I picked up this one which weighs 3.78 lbs, and it ended up costing me $13. I know that might sound like a lot for mac and cheese, but let me tell you, look at this! It’s huge, and it's hefty! This is a lot of macaroni. If you’re feeding a large crowd, this is a really, really good option. Not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s a great price for almost four pounds of macaroni.

Costco Mac and Cheese Review: Is It Worth It?

Costco's mac and cheese is a hefty 3.78 lbs serving for just $13, making it perfect for feeding large crowds. This rich, cheesy dish features Romano and Parmesan cheeses, with a creamy sauce and tender corkscrew noodles. Cooking is simple but time-consuming—just bake for 40 to 60 minutes. The flavor is a standout, offering more than just cheese with hints of garlic and seasoning. While fans of thick, gooey mac and cheese will love it, those who prefer a lighter sauce might find it overwhelming. Overall, it’s a solid 4/5 for value and taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s quickly go over the ingredients. Of course, the basics:

• Pasta

• Sauce, which includes cream, milk, water, and butter

• Different kinds of cheeses like Romano and Parmesan. (Parmesan happens to be my favorite type of cheese, so that’s definitely a thumbs-up!)

• It also contains wheat and milk.

So, pretty standard mac and cheese ingredients, but that cheese combination sounds delightful!

Cooking Instructions

Now, I want to point out the cooking instructions, because while it’s easy to make, it is a little time-consuming. Here’s how you prepare it:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F—simple enough.

2. Cover the pan with foil and place it onto a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes.

So, if you’re planning to serve this with dinner, I would definitely recommend getting it into the oven sooner rather than later.

First Impressions

Alright, here’s what it looks like straight out of the package, and I will be back after I have it in the oven, ready to go. I’ll let you know how it tastes in approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Stay tuned!

Oven Time: The Reveal

Okay, I’m back! I’m about to open my oven and take this macaroni out. I left mine in for the full 60 minutes, as I prefer my mac and cheese with a bit more of a golden top. Let’s go ahead and take off the foil and see how it turned out.

Oh. My. Gosh. Look at that!
That is cheesy, and I mean cheesy in the best way possible. There is more cheese here than I’ve ever seen on a take-home macaroni. Just look at all this cheese! Any cheese lover is going to fall head over heels for this mac and cheese.

Taste Test

Now, it’s time for the ultimate test—the taste test. I’ve got myself a bowl of this delicious mac and cheese, and just look at it. The cheese is so thick and gooey, I’m so excited to dive in.

Let me tell you something that shocked me right off the bat—the noodles are not your typical elbow macaroni. Instead, they’re these long, corkscrew-type noodles. I was a little surprised because I expected elbow noodles, but this shape works perfectly, and I actually love it.

Flavor Review

Alright, now for the flavor. I’m going to give this a solid four out of five. The flavor is incredible. It’s not just cheese you’re tasting; I’m picking up some additional flavors, maybe some garlic or a mix of subtle seasonings. It’s delicious without a doubt.

Personally, I like my cheese sauce a little bit thinner, so that’s just my preference. But if you like that thick, ooey-gooey mac and cheese, with tons of cheese, this will be right up your alley. It’s cheesy goodness at its finest!

Texture and Noodle Quality

The noodles are cooked perfectly—they’re tender and hold up well under all that cheese. The pasta itself is high quality, and the corkscrew shape is an excellent choice for holding onto all that sauce.

One thing I will mention is the ratio of cheese to noodles—there’s a LOT of cheese here. This might be a bit much for some people, especially if you prefer a lighter cheese sauce. But for cheese enthusiasts, this is the dream mac and cheese.

Portion Size

Now, let’s talk about the portion size. Like I said earlier, this is a big serving. You’re getting nearly four pounds of mac and cheese, which is more than enough to feed a large group. If you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to meal prep for the week, this is a perfect option.

For $13, I’d say you’re getting a good deal. Considering that many restaurants charge close to that for a single serving, and here you’re getting multiple servings in one package, it’s a solid value.

How to Serve

This mac and cheese is versatile too. You can serve it as a main dish—it’s hearty enough to stand alone, especially if you pair it with a salad or some garlic bread. Or, it can be a side dish alongside something like grilled chicken or steak. Honestly, it could work for anything.

Another great idea is to add some mix-ins. If you want to elevate this mac and cheese, you could add in some bacon bits, roasted vegetables, or even some extra shredded cheese on top before it goes into the oven.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, this mac and cheese from Costco is a winner in my book. If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, indulgent mac and cheese, you’ll love this. The combination of Parmesan and Romano cheeses gives it a great flavor that stands out from your average mac and cheese.

On the downside, if you prefer a lighter cheese sauce or something with a little less heaviness, this might not be your favorite. But for those of us who live for that creamy, cheesy goodness, this is perfect.

I definitely recommend giving it a try, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or want a quick and easy dinner option that you can just pop in the oven. It’s comfort food at its finest, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.

Rating

Overall, I’m giving this Costco mac and cheese a solid four out of five. It loses a point just because I prefer a thinner cheese sauce, but that’s more of a personal preference. The flavor is fantastic, the portion size is great, and it’s super easy to prepare.

If you’re in the mood for some serious comfort food, you can’t go wrong with this. Highly, highly recommend it for all you mac and cheese lovers out there!

How Do You Cook Costco Mac and Cheese Bites?

To cook Costco mac and cheese bites, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through. For best results, turn them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

How Long to Heat Up Frozen Mac and Cheese in Oven?

To heat up frozen mac and cheese in the oven, preheat to 375°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until it is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.

How Long to Smoke Mac and Cheese from Costco?

When smoking mac and cheese from Costco, set your smoker to 225°F. Smoke the mac and cheese for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Stir occasionally for even smoking and to prevent it from drying out.

How Long Does Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Last?

Oven-baked mac and cheese lasts for 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. Ensure it is covered tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Cook Frozen Costco Mac and Cheese?

To cook frozen Costco mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top.

Does Mac and Cheese Dry Out in Oven?

Mac and cheese can dry out in the oven if it is baked too long or at too high a temperature. To prevent this, cover the dish with foil while baking, and consider adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore moisture.

Is It Okay to Eat Kraft Mac and Cheese After the Expiration Date?

Kraft mac and cheese is generally safe to eat after the expiration date if it has been stored properly and the packaging is intact. However, the quality may decline over time. Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

Can I Eat Week-Old Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can eat week-old mac and cheese if it has been stored properly in the refrigerator and shows no signs of spoilage. Reheat it thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.

Does Baked Mac and Cheese Taste Better the Next Day?

Many people find that baked mac and cheese tastes better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Refrigerate it properly and reheat thoroughly to enjoy the enhanced flavor.

Can I Refrigerate Baked Mac and Cheese Before Baking?

Yes, you can refrigerate baked mac and cheese before baking. Assemble the mac and cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed, adjusting the time if needed.