I wanted to love this Panera Bread Mac & Cheese. I really did. I mean, it’s Panera—fancy café vibes, cozy comfort food, all that. But after trying it, I realized something: I’ve been spoiled by Costco’s own mac and cheese.
Taste & Texture
The first thing I noticed? It’s really, really creamy. Like, almost too creamy. The sauce is thick, smooth, and super rich, but it doesn’t have that cheesy kick I was hoping for. It’s more of a mild, buttery, velvety cheese situation.
If you love a soft, ultra-silky mac and cheese, this is for you. But if you want that bold, cheesy, baked mac taste—well, Costco’s version still holds the crown.
How It Compares to Costco Mac & Cheese
- Panera’s mac & cheese is smooth and creamy—almost like a cheese sauce bath for noodles.
- Kirkland mac & cheese? Cheesier, thicker, and feels like a real meal, not just a side.
- Panera’s feels fancy and delicate, while Costco’s is like a big, comforting bear hug.
How I Ate It
- Straight from the container – As is, no tweaking.
- Added extra cheese – Didn’t help much.
- Tried mixing in bacon – Okay, that made it better.
- Used as a dip for bread – Probably the best way to eat it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ If you love super creamy mac & cheese, you’ll like this.
✔ Easy to heat up, no effort required.
✔ Great as a dip for bread or veggies (if you think of it as a cheese sauce).
Cons
❌ Lacks that bold, cheesy punch.
❌ The texture is too smooth—I missed that gooey, baked cheese goodness.
My kids still enjoyed it with sliced cucumbers and chopped sausage.
Location in Store
You’ll find it in the refrigerated prepared foods section, near the other heat-and-eat meals like
Final Verdict
Look, this isn’t bad—it’s still mac and cheese, and mac and cheese is never bad. But would I buy it again? Nope. If I’m craving mac and cheese, I’m sticking with Costco’s version because it’s cheesier, heartier, and just hits the spot better.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (⅗) – Smooth, creamy, but not my favorite.
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