Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese Recipe

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When it comes to getting inspired for a truly delicious take, Sam’s Club is the perfect place to start. As a hub for high-quality ingredients and ready-to-make favorites, Sam’s Club has curated and perfected its Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese offerings into a beloved staple of many kitchens.

How to make Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese

Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese is a pre-made, ready-to-heat macaroni and cheese sold at Sam’s Club under their store brand Member’s Mark.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb cavatappi or elbow macaroni (Sam’s Club often uses imported Italian cavatappi pasta for their cafe mac and cheese).

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Member’s Mark cheddar cheese is a great option from Sam’s Club!)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a subtle tang).
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for flavor and color)

Instructions

Follow these steps to recreate a Sam’s Club mac and cheese:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi (or elbow macaroni) and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
2. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.

Step 3: Combine

1. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until the pasta is completely coated.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a large baking dish or serve as is for a stovetop version.

Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional)

1. Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in your baking dish.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for the Best Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese

• Use quality cheese: Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark shredded cheeses are ideal for this recipe. Freshly grated cheese melts better and delivers richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
• Get creative: While cheddar is the star, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Colby Jack, or even a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Perfect the pasta: Cooking your pasta al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy after mixing with the sauce.
• Customize the topping: For a unique twist, mix crushed potato chips or fried onions into the breadcrumb topping.
• Make it a full meal: Add cooked bacon, diced chicken, or roasted vegetables to elevate the dish further.
• Serve hot: Mac and cheese tastes best when it’s bubbly and fresh out of the oven. If you don’t plan to bake it, keep it warm on the stovetop and stir occasionally.

What to serve with

Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—its rich, creamy cheesiness makes it a crowd favorite at family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. But, while it’s incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary sides or mains can truly elevate the meal.

• Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Juicy, seasoned grilled or roasted chicken provides a flavorful and savory contrast to the creaminess of the mac and cheese. Opt for simple seasonings like garlic and rosemary or try barbecue chicken for a smoky twist.
• Pulled Pork: Serve mac and cheese with tender, smoky pulled pork for a classic soul-food combo that’s bound to impress. Smother the pork in barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
• Meatloaf: Pair your mac and cheese with slices of hearty meatloaf topped with a tangy tomato glaze. The rich, comforting flavors of both dishes complement each other perfectly.
• Salmon or other fish: A lighter protein option, like baked salmon or tilapia, contrasts the creamy mac and cheese. Lemon herb salmon is particularly refreshing alongside this cheesy dish.
• Grilled Steak: For a hearty option, serve mac and cheese alongside tender, perfectly grilled or pan-seared steak. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Sam’s Club-inspired mac and cheese is a breeze when you have all the necessary ingredients. But what if certain items aren’t available, you’re cooking for dietary needs, or you want to customize the dish? No worries!

1. Pasta Substitutes

The original recipe calls for cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni, but you can use other varieties based on availability or texture preferences.

• Shell Pasta: Medium-sized shells are great for holding the cheese sauce inside their folds, making every bite creamy and flavorful.
• Rotini or Fusilli: These corkscrew-shaped pastas have a similar texture to cavatappi and are excellent for coating with sauce.
• Penne or Rigatoni: Their tubular shapes make for hearty, filling bites and great sauce coverage.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: For gluten-free diners, use a gluten-free brand of pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Perfect for adding fiber and nutrients without compromising texture.

2. Butter Alternatives

Butter forms the base of the cheese sauce, but if you don’t have butter or prefer alternatives, here are your options:

• Olive Oil: Substitute the butter with an equal amount of olive oil for a lighter option.
• Plant-Based Butter: Vegan butter alternatives work perfectly and deliver the same creamy consistency.
• Ghee: Clarified butter (ghee) offers a rich, nutty flavor as a substitute.
• Margarine: This works as an affordable alternative and adds the needed fat for the roux.

3. Flour Substitutes

Flour is used to create the roux for the cheese sauce to thicken it. If you need to skip all-purpose flour, try one of these substitutes:

• Cornstarch: Replace flour with half the amount of cornstarch (e.g., 2 tbsp cornstarch for 4 tbsp flour). Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce.
• Arrowroot Powder: Another thickening agent, arrowroot powder works similarly to cornstarch.
• Rice Flour: For a gluten-free option, rice flour is an excellent alternative to all-purpose flour but may result in a slightly different texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend for a 1:1 substitute.

4. Milk Substitutes

Whole milk is typically used to create a creamy base, but you have several alternatives if whole milk is unavailable or if you need a dairy-free option:

• Low-Fat Milk: Use 2% or skim milk for a lighter option, though it may be less creamy.
• Evaporated Milk: Mix evaporated milk with water (1:1 ratio) to mimic whole milk.
• Oat Milk: Ideal for dairy-free mac and cheese, oat milk has a creamy consistency that works well in sauces.
• Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a lighter dairy-free alternative, although it might not be as creamy.
• Coconut Milk: For a unique flavour, canned coconut milk can be used, but keep in mind its mild sweetness and coconut taste.

5. Heavy Cream Substitutes

Heavy cream adds extra richness, but you can replace it based on availability or dietary preferences:

• Half-and-Half: A mix of milk and cream (often used for coffee) can closely replicate heavy cream with a bit less fat.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, tangy alternative. You may need to thin it out with a little milk.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream can be used in place of heavy cream to add creaminess and a subtle tang.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a rich and creamy dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

Sam’s Club Mac and Cheese is already a star by itself, but pairing it with the right sides and mains—like roasted veggies, grilled protein, fresh salads, or buttery breads—will elevate your meal into an unforgettable feast.

More Mac And Cheese Recipes:

• Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie Recipe
• Copycat Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe