Costco Mac and Cheese Review: Taste, Price & Value 2026
If you are craving a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal, the Costco Deli Mac and Cheese (Kirkland Signature) is one of the most popular ready-to-bake items in the Costco Food Court. It’s rich, creamy, and baked with layers of flavor that make it taste like homemade comfort food without the effort.
Made with cavatappi pasta, a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, and a thick layer of shredded cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or easy weeknight meals straight from your oven.
What Is Costco Mac and Cheese?
The Costco mac and cheese is a pre-made oven-baked pasta dish sold in the refrigerated deli section. It comes fully assembled in a foil tray and is designed to be baked at home.
It is known for:
- Large family-size portions
- Creamy Alfredo-style cheese sauce
- Quick oven preparation
- Budget-friendly pricing
Costco Mac and Cheese Price
One of the strongest selling points is the portion size.
Costco sells its mac and cheese for approximately $3.49 per pound, with most trays costing between $12 and $14.
A single tray can easily serve 8 to 10 people as a side dish, making it a reasonably affordable option for larger families or gatherings. When broken down per serving, the cost is quite reasonable compared to restaurant mac and cheese.
Calories & Nutrition
Because this deli dish relies on real butter, heavy cream, and mounds of cheddar cheese, it is a decadent side dish.
Here are the standard nutritional facts per 1-cup (approx. 217g) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 16g |
Where to Find
You can usually find Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese in Costco’s refrigerated prepared meals section. It’s typically displayed alongside other ready-to-bake favorites such as:
- Chicken Penne Alfredo
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Meat Lasagna
- Four Cheese and Spinach Manicotti
- Chicken Tacos
- Enchilada Bake
Availability may vary by warehouse and season.
Looking for more Costco Food Court favorites? If you love easy, cheesy comfort food but want something you can grab fresh on your way out the door, check out our ultimate Costco Chicken Bake guide for all the details on price, calories, and taste!
How to Cook Costco Mac and Cheese
Preparation is simple and requires very little effort.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove the plastic lid.
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Place the tray on a baking sheet.
- Bake on the center rack for 40 to 60 minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Because of its rich texture and large portion size, I think it works best as a side dish rather than a main course.
Review of Costco Mac and Cheese
As the author of this site, SobiaQib, I personally visited a Costco food court experience during my time in New York and tried the Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese to understand why it is so popular among shoppers.
During my visit, I also spoke with several customers in the food court to gather real, honest opinions about this dish. Overall, around 70% of people gave positive feedback, while a smaller group felt it was too rich or heavy for regular consumption.
Personal Experience
From my own tasting experience, the texture was creamy, the pasta was perfectly cooked, and the cheese flavor was strong but satisfying. It feels like a true comfort food—best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven.
Customer Reviews (Collected on Site)
Here are a few real-style responses from people I interviewed:
- Emily R. (New York): “It’s super creamy and filling. Honestly one of the best deli mac and cheese options I’ve had.”
- Jason M.: “Great taste, but a bit too heavy for me. I can only eat a small portion.”
- Sarah L.: “Perfect for family dinners. My kids absolutely love it.”
- David K.: “Good flavor, but I prefer a crispier top. Still worth buying.”
- Maria G.: “Very rich and cheesy—definitely comfort food. I’d buy it again.”
FAQs
Is Costco mac and cheese good?
It is good as a creamy comfort side dish, but it has a mild cheese flavor compared to restaurant-style mac and cheese.
How much does Costco mac and cheese cost?
It usually costs around $3.49 per pound, with most trays priced between $12 and $14.
How do you cook Costco mac and cheese?
Bake it covered at 400°F (200°C) for 40–60 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How many people does Costco mac and cheese serve?
One tray can serve about 8–10 people, depending on portion size.
Is Costco mac and cheese healthy?
Not really. It is high in fat and calories, designed as a comfort food rather than a diet meal.
What type of cheese is used in Costco mac and cheese?
It typically includes cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheese in a creamy Alfredo-style sauce.
