There's A Saucy Secret Behind Costco's Mac And Cheese

The take-and-bake item is made with Alfredo sauce

Those who are passionate about their mac and cheese recipes may be shocked at the thought of using Alfredo sauce, which is usually associated with dishes like fettuccine or penne. Most traditional recipes for this creamy comfort food begin with a roux made from butter and flour, which is then transformed into a béchamel sauce by incorporating milk. However, Alfredo sauce is quite similar to the basic white sauce.

According to the ingredient list for Costco's mac and cheese, the Alfredo sauce is made from cream, milk, water, butter, Romano and Parmesan cheeses, thickeners such as flour and cornstarch, and various seasonings like garlic and black pepper. It includes all the essential components of a béchamel sauce (and thus a roux), along with some potentially advantageous additions. Notably, the cream's higher fat content compared to regular milk may enhance the richness of this classic dish. While you won't find other ideal melting cheeses like Gruyère in the Alfredo sauce, the pre-cooked, well-coated cavatappi noodles are topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese that bakes into a crispy golden crust.

Reactions from members regarding this take-and-bake item are somewhat mixed. While Costco's mac and cheese has its loyal fans, some Reddit users feel that it lacks flavor. However, their feedback seems to focus more on a deficiency in salty cheesiness rather than the specific type of sauce used. Fortunately, there are numerous simple ways to personalize it to suit your taste.

Tips for upgrading Costco's mac and cheese

It's tough to surpass a homemade rendition of a beloved comfort food, which is why it's understandable that not everyone finds Costco's mac and cheese satisfying. However, the affordability and convenience of a large pre-made meal might still make it worth a try. If you think this deli item could use a little enhancement, there are plenty of ingredients that can elevate mac and cheese. Even a sprinkle of extra salt, pepper, or smoked paprika can significantly improve the flavor with minimal effort.

Luckily, one of the easiest ways to enhance Costco's mac and cheese is simply to add more cheese! You can stick with the cheeses already included in the recipe—romano, parmesan, or cheddar—or get inventive by mixing in other varieties before baking. Classic additions like bacon, peas, or hot sauce can also elevate the taste. For a protein boost, consider shredding Costco's famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken and mixing in the tender, well-seasoned pieces. To enhance the cheddar cheese crust, you might want to double the crispy topping with toasted breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you could change the cooking method entirely; one Reddit user suggests using a smoker instead of the oven. No matter how you choose to upgrade it, a refined version of Costco's creamy Alfredo-based mac and cheese is bound to be delicious.