Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese

My copycat Costco Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with 3 types of cheeses!! An ideal comfort food main dish, it gets baked to golden, gooey perfection right before serving for the best taste and texture. Make mac and cheese like Costco for your next potluck or gathering, or even dinner at home. The whole family will love it!

Costco Mac and Cheese

If a macaroni and cheese recipe exists, you better believe you can find it on TSRI!! With more than 30 and counting (at least at the time of writing… check back next year), I’ve got something for everyone.

Sorry, but for me, when something works, it WORKS. I’ll never say no to pasta, Chad goes wild over any sort of comfort food, and Munchkin, like most kiddos, absolutely adores mac and cheese. 

If I can serve something I know will make us all happy, you know I’m going to do it! And I’m going to keep coming up with even more variations as I go. Just try and stop me!

The first time I tasted Costco mac and cheese, I knew it was going to be the next recipe to try. Unsurprisingly, it was a hit.

Your kids are going to love it just as much as mine does, and I’m willing to bet parents will too. 

And if you need me, I’ll be here, working on my next mac recipe. In the meantime, be sure to check out my Instant Pot mac and cheese, beer bacon mac and cheese, smoked mac and cheese, and French onion mac and cheese too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cavatappi Pasta – This is definitely my preferred pasta shape for thick and creamy mac and cheese! The little nooks and crannies are perfect for holding sauce, and I love the way the little swirls look.
  
  Alternatively, elbow macaroni, penne, or shell pasta would also work.
  
• Unsalted Butter & All-Purpose Flour – Come together to create our roux AKA our thickener and sauce smoother extraordinaire! The butter adds an even richer flavor too.
  
• Heavy Cream – Also brings a smooth and velvety texture to the sauce. If you need a sub, using all whole milk will make the mac less rich but just as creamy. Half-and-half is another option.
  
• Whole Milk – Balances out the richness of the cream while also contributing to the texture of the sauce.
  
• Cheddar Cheese – A mainstay in this recipe for Costco mac and cheese … and honestly, in most macaroni and cheese! Sharp and tangy, it balances out some of the creaminess.
  
• Romano & Parmesan Cheese – Both Italian cheeses enhance the overall flavor here! I also find they pair super well with the cheddar. 

As with all of the shredded cheeses involved, buy a big block and shred it yourself for the best flavor and meltability.

• Seasonings – Nothing too fancy! I added kosher salt, ground white pepper (so there aren’t any black pepper flecks!), paprika, and garlic powder to round everything out.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Mac and Cheese like Costco

• Don’t skip the roux step.

The roux (butter and flour mixture) is key to creating a creamy sauce without any lumps. It can make or break your recipe for Costco mac and cheese!

When making it, make sure to stir continuously to avoid burning the flour — and to get the smoothest texture. It’s worth all of that elbow grease.

• Gradually add the dairy.

When you go to add the heavy cream and milk to the roux, do so slowly and continue to whisk the whole time.

You want the liquid to combine as smoothly as possible with the roux to prevent lumps. 

If you find the consistency isn’t to your liking after stirring, have a little patience before messing with it too much. Oftentimes letting it simmer a little longer allows it to thicken.

You can also increase the flour to 3 tablespoons if you find it still needs some help.

• Be patient while melting the cheese.

Once you’ve added the Romano and Parmesan, reduce the heat to low and stir gently. 

Patience really is key when preparing this recipe. Don’t rush this step as higher heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. 

Allow it to melt slowly for a smooth and silky sauce.

• Add a crispy topping.

The baking step is what gives this Costco mac and cheese recipe its signature gooey texture! Take it to the next level and add a crunchy contrast with a bit of melted butter and breadcrumbs (panko would be extra crispy!).

Take off the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture all over the mac. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Prep Ahead

• Shred the cheese
• Cook the pasta

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Large Pot and Strainer to cook and drain the pasta.
• Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly and doesn’t burn the sauce.
• Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
• Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. 
• Baking Dish – One of my absolute favorites! I’ve been using this simple, durable pan for years, and it never disappoints.

Serving Suggestions 

Costco mac and cheese is incredibly rich and filling on its own, but it would also pair well with a few tasty sides! 

A fresh green salad with homemade vinaigrette, roasted Brussels, broccoli, or grilled asparagus as a veggie, and some crusty garlic bread would create the perfect comfort food meal.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

This would be the ultimate contribution to your next potluck. To get ahead on prep, you can assemble the Costco mac and cheese recipe up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. 

All that’s left is to bake as directed — you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes.

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I use my oven to reheat. About 20 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick, or 30-45 minutes if reheating from frozen.

Costco Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published May 2025

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