Why Costco’s Mac and Cheese is Breaking the Internet

As a gluten-free person, I’ve found some pretty good alternatives to my favorite flour-ridden foods, so I don’t often feel like I’m missing out. But now, I’m wishing I could eat regular noodles because Costco mac and cheese is breaking the internet, and I desperately want to know what all the drama is about. 

What Happened?

Recently, social video creator Jordan The Stallion posted a now-viral video about trying to buy mac and cheese at Costco but getting turned away because the employee didn’t believe he was the person on his membership card. Out of spite, he proceeds to list off ingredients for a copycat recipe for the fan-favorite pasta dish. But here’s the twist: People are saying he (and the blogger who published the recipe) have it way wrong.

What’s Really In the Costco Mac and Cheese?

According to an Instagram commenter who claims to work at Costco, the mac and cheese is actually made with alfredo sauce mixed with shredded cheddar, which is then mixed with frozen cooked cavatappi noodles and sprinkled with more shredded cheese. After some light googling, I found a photo of the mac and cheese, and the ingredient list clearly says alfredo sauce is one of the main ingredients. 

Now, I’m a big fan of alfredo, especially if it’s mixed with lots of other cheese. And regardless of the actual ingredients people seem to be diehard fans of this pasta (enough to publish a copycat recipe, anyway). But is all the fuss over this pasta worth it, if it’s just mixed with a big bag of frozen white sauce?

I Tried Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese and the Results Were Not What I Expected

Is the Costco Mac Even All That Good?

Not everyone agrees with the hype. Some redditors are saying it’s not even that good, and that it’s actually a little bland. Apparently, adding a bit of dry mustard powder and smoked paprika spices things up. If you’re feeling adventurous, one person recommends adding nuggets tossed in buffalo sauce.

After all this research, I’ll admit I would still try it if I could, but I maybe wouldn’t venture as far as to make a copycat recipe just to get a similar taste at home. In my mind, the Costco mac and cheese is a good base to add other fun ingredients to if you’re looking for a convenient dish to serve to a big group or bring to parties. But if you’re bent on a more flavorful, home-cooked vibe, you may be better off cooking your own mac and cheese instead of making a separate trip to Costco.