Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese

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I am not a member of Costco, ergo I didn’t realize that they had their own signature mac and cheese that, indisputably, everyone seems to enjoy. The copycat recipe has been making the rounds on the Web lately and, as I never turn down mac and cheese, was eager to give this a try. I must say that it sold me with the inclusion of five different cheeses, resulting in a complex flavor along with a rich and creamy texture. I think this is the best mac and cheese that I have ever tasted. It will go swimmingly with Christmas ham.

Copycat Costco Mac and Cheese

1 lb. cavatappi pasta

1 T. olive oil

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. flour

1 c. heavy cream

3 c. whole milk

3-1/2 c. grated white cheddar cheese 

2 c.  Gruyere cheese

3/4 c. Romano cheese

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

1/2 c. medium cheddar cheese

1/2 T. kosher salt

1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper

¼ t. paprika

¼ t. garlic powder

1/8 t. freshly ground nutmeg

½ c. panko

2 T. butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

 Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the cavatappi and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

 In a large saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk well, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Slowly add the cream and milk, whisking continuously, until smooth and completely combined.  Remove from heat and stir in all cheeses as well as the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Once the cheese has melted, fold in cavatappi.

Pour into a 9” x 13” baking dish. Stir together panko and melted butter, and sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

 NOTE: The original recipe did not call for a panko topping, but I tend to like that sort of thing on top of baked mac and cheese. Use it or don’t.

I cut the recipe in half and it turned put beautifully.

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