Costco Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese Review

Many of Costco’s ready-to-eat offerings are centered around comfort food, and the Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese is a perfect example of this category.

There’s a debate about whether macaroni and cheese qualifies as a complete meal, suggesting it might be better suited as a side dish. However, what truly matters is its taste. So, the question is, does it deliver on flavor?

mac and cheese costco

Does Costco have mac and cheese? 

Undoubtedly, Costco is one of the best places to purchase mac and cheese. You will find a variety of mac and cheese flavors at Costco.

Moreover, the quality and taste are surprisingly high. On the other hand, Costco is the best place for purchasing when you want to stock up on anything. 

Mac and Cheese Price and Location in Costco Store

You can locate this item in the pre-made meal section of Costco, positioned close to the quinoa salad, chicken tacos, and enchilada bake. I purchased it at the Costco in Kalispell, Montana.

The price is reasonable and affordable for everyone. Because it comes in frozen packaging, you will get it in the freezer section at Costco. 

costco macaroni and cheese
This huge side dish can feed 8-10 people or possibly even more! Costco offers its mac and cheese at roughly $3.49 per pound, and the total cost for a package is between $12 and $14. It might seem a bit expensive, but it's definitely worth it.

Taste Test Disappointment

I couldn’t wait to dig into this macaroni and cheese! I’m a huge fan, though Sean isn’t as keen, so it’s a rare treat for us. We occasionally indulge in some from a local barbecue spot that’s out of this world.

But, I have to say, the Kirkland Signature mac and cheese didn’t hit the mark for me.

Imagine a plate heaped with baked mac and cheese, looking creamy and topped with a generous layer of cheese. While it looks mouthwatering and promises a cheesy delight, the taste falls flat. It’s surprisingly bland, missing the rich, cheesy zing I adore.

It’s not particularly salty or flavorful; instead, it’s quite dull. The sauce reminded me a lot of the Kirkland Signature Chicken Penne Alfredo sauce—too similar, in fact.

When you see it served up, loaded with cheese, it’s hard not to get excited. The bits with extra cheese baked on top? Absolutely my favorite. I followed the cooking directions exactly, but found some of the pasta was a tad underdone, which was a letdown. The rest of the pasta was perfectly tender, though.

The dish looks tempting, with a forkful of mac and cheese ready to enjoy, but it’s more appealing to the eye than the palate. I was hoping for a cheesy explosion, but it felt more like a mild Alfredo pasta.

So, if you’re craving that classic mac and cheese experience, you might find this one leaning too much towards an Alfredo vibe for your taste.

Read More about Costco Kirkland Signature Products,

Ingredient Insights

The ingredients in Costco’s Mac and Cheese are pretty much what you’d expect from a store-bought option. It features a trio of cheeses: Romano, Parmesan, and shredded Cheddar, all contributing to its hearty taste. The sauce has an Alfredo base, something I guessed right from the flavor.

Ease of Preparation

This dish must be stored in the refrigerator, and it’s best consumed within four days of purchase. For cooking, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, discard the plastic covering, and then snugly wrap the tray in aluminum foil before baking.

Position the foil-covered tray on a baking sheet and place it in the center of the oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the mac and cheese reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. In my view, it serves better as a side dish rather than the main course.

For a complete meal experience, I suggest pairing it with items such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, or sausages. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the mac and cheese by itself, accompanying it with these savory dishes enhances the overall dining experience!

Nutritional Profile of Costco’s Mac and Cheese

Each serving of Costco’s Mac and Cheese (128 grams) delivers a nutritional punch with 290 calories. It’s made up of 18 grams of fat, of which 11 grams are saturated fat, alongside 410 milligrams of sodium. The carbohydrate content stands at 23 grams, including 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of sugar, and it offers 10 grams of protein.

Costco also offers Mac and Cheese Bucket

costco mac Cheese bucket
The Mac and Cheese Bucket is available for $105, providing an economical and plentiful meal option. It includes 180 servings of pre-made macaroni and cheese, featuring a 25-year shelf life for convenience.

FAQs

How many people does Costco’s mac and cheese feed?

Costco’s mac and cheese feeds 10 people when served as a side dish, and 4-6 people when served as an entree. The tray contains approximately 4.5 pounds of mac and cheese, which is equivalent to 10 servings of 1.5 cups each.

How long do you bake mac and cheese?

mac and cheese at Costco should be baked for 40-60 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many calories are in Costco Kirkland mac and cheese?

Costco Kirkland mac and cheese has 340 calories per 153 grams (1 cup) serving. It also has 22 grams of fat, 60 milligrams of cholesterol, 490 milligrams of sodium, and 12 grams of protein.

How many pounds of macaroni feed 50 people?

Typically, one pound of macaroni can feed four people. So, 50 people would need 12.5 pounds of macaroni. However, this is just a general rule of thumb. The actual amount of macaroni you need will depend on the size of your servings and the appetites of your guests.

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