Costco Mac and Cheese Easy Copycat Recipe
The ultimate comfort food, Costco Mac and Cheese Easy Copycat Recipe is rich, creamy, and oh-so-easy to make. This cheesy masterpiece will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Make it tonight for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Grater
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cavatappi pasta
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Romano cheese
- 1 cup Grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is essential to ensure that your cheese bakes to perfection.
- Cook the cavatappi pasta al dente in salted water according to the package directions. Drain it well but avoid rinsing it to keep the starch that helps the cheese sauce cling.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. You want to infuse the butter with that lovely garlic flavor.
- Slowly add the flour to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy whipping cream, salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture will create the creamy base.
- Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan in a slow, steady stream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring until they are fully melted and combined into the sauce. If desired, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens!
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Top it with the grated cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust that will melt and bubble beautifully.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Enjoy the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Notes
When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months for a quick meal later. For added crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste for a personalized touch.