Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This copycat Costco mac and cheese is ultra creamy, rich, and packed with layers of savory cheese flavor. Tender cavatappi pasta is coated in a smooth blend of white cheddar, Gruyère, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

1 pound cavatappi pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup salted butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy cream

3 cups milk

3 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups grated Gruyère cheese, divided

3/4 cup grated Romano cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated medium cheddar cheese

1/2 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until slightly under al dente according to package directions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Grate all the cheeses and reserve the medium cheddar cheese for the topping.
  4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until a smooth roux forms.
  6. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly until smooth.
  7. Add the remaining milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  8. Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  9. Gradually add portions of the white cheddar, Gruyère, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring after each addition until smooth and melted.
  10. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
  11. Spread half of the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle part of the remaining cheese mixture on top.
  12. Layer the remaining pasta over the first layer and finish with the remaining cheese mixture and the medium cheddar cheese.
  13. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  14. Serve hot and creamy.

Notes

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

Slightly undercook the pasta so it stays firm after baking.

Add crispy breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper smoky flavor.

Cooked broccoli, spinach, chicken, or turkey make great additions.

The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 690 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Find it online: https://cookingwhispers.com/copycat-costco-mac-and-cheese/