The Cheesy $12 Costco Staple I Can't Stop Buying
- Panera Bread Mac & Cheese 2-pack from Costco offers 24 ounces of creamy, cheesy goodness for under $13, with occasional discounts making it a great freezer stock-up option.
Mac and cheese is one food I could never give up. It's a childhood staple that you never really outgrow—just as perfect as a quick comfort meal as it is reimagined into something gourmet. The rich, creamy flavor and endless versatility is what keeps me hooked, and I still get a little excited every time I spot a new twist on the classic.
That said, despite my extreme love for mac and cheese, I'm by no means a snob. Truthfully, I'm a fan of everything from boxed versions that just need a little love to baked casseroles that can feed a whole family. However, during a Costco run earlier this year, I picked up a 2-pack of Panera Bread Mac & Cheese for its heat-and-eat appeal—and let's just say I've been restocking it with every trip since.
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Panera Bread Mac & Cheese 2-Pack, $12.47 at Costco
Panera Bread Mac & Cheese 2-Pack / Nathan Hutsenpiller
Sporting 24 ounces of creamy, cheesy goodness per container, Panera Bread Mac & Cheese delivers serious satisfaction for under $13. And on certain occasions, Costco even offers a hefty discount, making a freezer stock-up a no-brainer. Panera was a childhood favorite of mine growing up, so having another way to bring it home is only a win in my book.
As for what's inside, each tub contains roughly five servings, with a total calorie count of about 2,500 per tub. That means if you're watching your weight and counting calories, you'll want to practice some willpower and avoid doing what I did—polishing off an entire container in one sitting. Because when you've got a hot bowl of al dente pasta shells coated in rich white cheddar cheese sauce made with milk, cream and butter staring you in the face, there's no time for counting—only devouring.
Panera Bread Mac & Cheese, Cooked with Bacon and Broccoli / Nathan Hutsenpiller
How I Serve It Up
Where this tasty Costco find really shines is in its versatility—it can either complement a larger meal or serve as a quick, satisfying meal stretched across multiple days. I'm perfectly happy enjoying it on its own, but it also takes well to being elevated with other ingredients for a heartier dish. Panera recommends heating it on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, or placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and heating on high for 5–6 minutes to reach the same temperature. Either way, prep-to-table time is a total breeze.
Most recently, I decided to take my Panera mac and cheese to the next level by adding diced bacon and broccoli.I started by cubing about five slices of bacon and heating them in a saucepan until almost crispy, then added the broccoli and sautéed until tender. I tossed in a bit of butter to coat the mixture, seasoned with a little salt and ground pepper and then set it aside while I heated up the mac and cheese. Once the mac was warmed through, I mixed in the broccoli and bacon, gave it a good stir and served immediately.
Be sure to keep an eye out for this totally satisfying and incredibly easy weeknight meal on your next Costco run. If you're lucky, it might even be on sale. And if it's not—it's still an amazing value for what you get. Grab a pack for a quick lunch or use it as the base for a larger, heartier meal.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
