The recipe for Costco's Mac and Cheese has just been exposed—now you can try making it yourself at home.

I’ve been a mac and cheese enthusiast for years. Although I’m not a fan of the boxed varieties, I can’t get enough of the homemade ones packed with rich, melty cheese. But what I really don’t enjoy is greasy, over-salted mac and cheese that somehow lacks flavor—like the frozen or refrigerated options at most grocery stores. Except for Costco’s version, of course. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about their mac and cheese, and with the recipe now circulating on social media, I had to give it a shot. It’s just what any true mac and cheese lover would do.

The mystery surrounding Costco's macaroni and cheese had lingered for a while. Though there were a few decent copycat recipes out there, most were based on guesses rather than the real thing. That all changed when @jordan_the_stallion8 shared the actual recipe on TikTok, finally revealing how to make Costco’s famous mac and cheese.

How to Prepare Costco’s Mac and Cheese

In the TikTok video, the creator went over the list of ingredients and measurements, which I quickly took note of. With no time to explain the full method, I relied on my experience (having made countless pots of mac and cheese) to piece it together. It all begins with making a roux. I melted 1/4 cup of butter in a pot, added 1/4 cup of flour, and cooked it until golden brown. Then, I poured in 3 cups of milk and whisked until smooth. I let it simmer and thicken before lowering the heat and stirring in the five types of cheese: white Cheddar, Gruyère, Romano, Parmesan, and medium Cheddar. Next, I seasoned it with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. A splash of pasta water helped loosen up the sauce before I mixed in my cooked (al dente) pasta. I transferred everything into a baking dish and baked it at 350°F for 30 minutes. In the final 5 minutes, I topped it with toasted, buttered panko breadcrumbs, even though Costco doesn’t include this step (but more on that later).

How Does It Taste?

It’s just as amazing as everyone says. Though I’ve never purchased or tried Costco’s pre-made version, I can confidently say this homemade version is absolutely delicious. The depth of flavor, thanks to the combination of five different cheeses, is incredible. The creaminess is perfect, and the seasonings hit all the right notes. Every bite was a joy—except for the last one, only because I wanted more. While Costco’s version doesn’t include breadcrumbs, I personally think they add a great crunch to the soft noodles when baking. I didn’t use all the salt or cream; one teaspoon of salt was plenty, and three cups of milk kept the dish nice and creamy. Take it from me—make this the next time you're craving mac and cheese, and you won’t be disappointed.

Costco’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cream (*I didn’t use)
• 3 cups milk
• 3 1/2 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded medium Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  

Instructions

Although the leaked recipe didn’t come with specific instructions, it most likely follows the classic mac and cheese method, as outlined earlier:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, then slowly add the milk and cream. Stir in the cheeses until completely melted, then season the cheese sauce.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated and gooey.
4. If using, prepare the breadcrumb topping.
5. Enjoy the mac and cheese right away, or transfer it to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until it’s golden brown and bubbling.