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Kirkland Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Costco's Kirkland mac and cheese gets a serious upgrade with crispy bacon, caramelized onion, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping — a 30-minute side becomes the main event.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
6
Cost / Serving
$4.50

Quick Answer

Prepare Costco's Kirkland mac and cheese per package, transfer to a baking dish, top with crispy bacon, sautéed onion, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then broil 3–4 minutes until golden. Turns a side dish into the main event. Ready in 40 minutes; serves 6.

Kirkland Signature mac and cheese is one of Costco's best-value staples — large format, genuinely creamy, and better than most scratch recipes on a weeknight. This recipe takes that base and turns it into something special: crispy diced bacon, sweet caramelized onion, and a toasted breadcrumb crust that crackles under your fork. It goes from box to oven in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare the Kirkland mac and cheese according to box directions. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel. Pour off most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

  3. 3

    Add sliced onion to the pan with the bacon fat and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.

  4. 4

    Fold most of the bacon and all of the caramelized onion into the mac and cheese. If adding extra cheddar, stir it in now. Season with pepper.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, toss panko with butter (melted), olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

  6. 6

    Scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top.

  7. 7

    Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is the Kirkland Signature mac and cheese box?+
The Kirkland Signature mac and cheese comes in a 6-pound box that makes a large quantity. This recipe uses the full prepared batch — it's designed to feed a crowd or provide leftovers. The box typically makes enough for 10–12 servings on its own.
Can I skip the baking step and just add bacon on the stovetop?+
Yes — for a quicker version, skip the oven entirely. Just stir the cooked bacon and caramelized onions directly into the prepared mac and cheese and serve. You lose the crunchy topping, but the flavor is just as good.
What other mix-ins work well with Kirkland mac and cheese?+
Diced jalapeños, roasted broccoli, pulled rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or frozen peas all work well. For heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or a tablespoon of sriracha stirred in at the end is excellent.
How do I reheat leftover baked mac and cheese?+
Add a splash of milk (2–3 tablespoons per serving), cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. The milk rehydrates the cheese sauce and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Is Kirkland mac and cheese sold year-round at Costco?+
Yes, Kirkland Signature mac and cheese is a permanent warehouse item and is typically stocked year-round. It's usually found in the dry goods or pasta aisle.

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