Mac & Cheese: Sam's Club Cooking Time Perfected

Sam's Club Macaroni and Cheese is a popular, comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It is a crowd-pleaser with its rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The cooking time for this delicious meal varies depending on the method and the number of servings. For a standard package, the pasta should be boiled for around 7-10 minutes, followed by baking in the oven for about 15 minutes. If you're preparing a larger portion, the baking time can be extended to 40-50 minutes. For a quicker option, you can also heat it in the microwave for 8-9 minutes.

Oven-bake for 40-50 minutes

To cook Sam's Club macaroni and cheese, you'll need to oven-bake it for 40-50 minutes. This is the final step in the process, which begins with boiling a pot of water and adding the macaroni pasta. The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions, usually for around 7-10 minutes or until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

The next step is to make the cheese sauce. To do this, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Then, add shredded cheese, stirring until it's melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.

Now it's time to combine the pasta and sauce. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish.

Finally, oven-bake for 40-50 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 375°F according to Sam's Club) and place the baking dish inside. The macaroni and cheese is ready when it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for at least 15 seconds. Remove it from the oven and let it stand for five minutes before serving.

This method ensures that the Sam's Club macaroni and cheese is cooked to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Make a cheese sauce

To make a cheese sauce for your macaroni and cheese, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter you'll need depends on how much cheese sauce you want to make, but typically, you'd use around 2-3 tablespoons. Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour and whisk until well combined and smooth. This mixture is called a roux and is the base for your cheese sauce.

Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Then, it's time to gradually add your milk. Keep whisking as you pour to prevent lumps from forming. You can also add some heavy cream at this stage for an extra creamy sauce. Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a simmer.

Now it's time to add the cheese. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add your shredded cheese, stirring well until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. You can use any type of cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of different cheeses. Just make sure it's a type of cheese that melts well. Avoid using cheeses that are too oily, as they can make your sauce greasy.

Finally, season your cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or mustard powder for some extra flavour. If you want to enhance the cheesiness of your sauce, you can add a little bit of nutritional yeast. Keep in mind that the macaroni will absorb some of the flavour, so make sure to season your sauce slightly more than you prefer.

And that's it! You've made a delicious cheese sauce that's ready to be combined with your cooked macaroni.

Boil the macaroni

To start making Sam's Club macaroni and cheese, you'll need to begin by boiling the macaroni. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your pasta is cooked to perfection:

Step 1: Boil a Large Pot of Water

Fill a large pot with water, making sure to leave enough room for the macaroni to cook without boiling over. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. You'll want to get the water to a rolling boil. This is the first step in creating the perfect macaroni base for your cheesy dish.

Step 2: Add Salt (Optional)

If you wish, you can add salt to the boiling water to give your macaroni an extra flavour boost. The general ratio is 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. However, this step is entirely optional, and you can decide whether you want to include it or not.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni

Once the water has reached a rolling boil, carefully add the macaroni to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to gently place the macaroni into the water. Stir the macaroni occasionally while it's cooking to prevent the noodles from sticking together. This will ensure that your pasta cooks evenly and doesn't clump up.

Step 4: Cook According to Package Instructions

Now, you'll want to cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the package. This is crucial to achieving the right consistency in your pasta. The cooking time will depend on the type of macaroni you're using, but it's usually around 7-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Keep an eye on the pot and test the macaroni occasionally to ensure it's cooked just right.

Step 5: Drain and Rinse

Once your macaroni is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully drain the hot water from the pot. Use a colander to strain out the water, being cautious as the pot and macaroni will be very hot. After draining, it's a good idea to rinse the macaroni with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch, preventing your macaroni from becoming mushy or clumping together.

Now that you've mastered the art of boiling the macaroni, you're well on your way to creating delicious Sam's Club macaroni and cheese. Remember, the key to success is following the package instructions and keeping a close eye on your pasta to avoid overcooking it. With these steps, you'll have perfectly cooked macaroni ready for the next stages of preparation!

Add extra ingredients

Sam's Club's macaroni and cheese is a popular choice for a comforting dinner or a holiday side dish. The dish is made with a combination of cheeses melted into a rich and creamy sauce, coating al dente pasta.

To elevate this classic comfort food, you can add extra ingredients to make it even more delicious and well-balanced. Here are some suggestions:

Bacon

For an indulgent twist, add some crispy bacon bits to your mac and cheese. Sam's Club offers a Five Cheese Bacon Macaroni option, which includes generous amounts of bacon pieces. This addition provides a savoury contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and adds a layer of texture and flavour.

Vegetables

If you're looking to add some extra nutrition and colour to your dish, consider incorporating chopped vegetables. Sam's Club recommends adding chopped veggies to their Five Cheese Bacon Macaroni to make it a complete and well-balanced meal. Some options could include broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms.

Spices and Herbs

To kick up the flavour, experiment with different spices and herbs. For a subtle kick, add some garlic powder, but be cautious not to overpower the dish, as a little goes a long way. You could also try sprinkling in some red pepper flakes for added heat or mixing in some dried or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil for a more nuanced flavour profile.

Extra Cheese

When it comes to mac and cheese, you can never have too much cheese! Try sprinkling some extra shredded cheddar on top before baking, or mix in some other cheese varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, or mascarpone for an even creamier texture and a more complex flavour profile.

Crunchy Topping

For a textural contrast, remove the foil cover during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top layer of cheese to caramelize and form a crunchy, golden crust. Alternatively, pop the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other ingredients that suit your taste preferences. Whether you add one or a combination of these extra ingredients, you're sure to elevate your Sam's Club macaroni and cheese into an even more indulgent and satisfying meal.

Freeze leftovers

If you've cooked up a storm and have some Sam's Club mac and cheese left over, don't worry, it can be frozen!

Firstly, it's important to let the dish cool down completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in and causing freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mac and cheese again, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in the oven until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you're short on time. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.

Freezing and reheating instructions:

• Let the mac and cheese cool completely.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the frozen mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven until heated through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Now you can enjoy Sam's Club mac and cheese anytime you crave it!

Frequently asked questions