Quick Answer
The number of servings in a box of Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese from Costco depends on the size of the box. The main sizes available are:
- 2.5 pound box – about 12 servings
- 4 pound box – about 20 servings
Serving Size Details
To determine the number of servings, we need to look at the serving size recommended on the Nutrition Facts label of Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese.
According to the label, the suggested serving size is 1 cup (228g) prepared.
Next, we’ll look at the common sizes for Kirkland Macaroni & Cheese available at Costco:
2.5 Pound Box
A 2.5 pound box contains approximately 56 ounces of dry pasta and cheese powder.
When prepared according to the directions, this makes 16 cups of macaroni and cheese.
So a 2.5 pound box makes about 16 one-cup servings.
4 Pound Box
The larger 4 pound box contains about 91 ounces of dry pasta and cheese powder.
When made according to the cooking instructions, this yields about 24 cups of prepared mac and cheese.
Therefore, the 4 pound box provides about 24 one-cup servings.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 cup serving of prepared Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese, according to the label:
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 930mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
| Vitamin A | 6% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% DV |
As you can see, one serving provides 380 calories, 54g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein. It also contains a considerable amount of fat and sodium.
Cost Analysis
Let’s take a look at the cost per serving of Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese:
2.5 Pound Box
The 2.5 pound box costs around $6.99 at Costco.
With about 12 one-cup servings per box, that equals:
$6.99 / 12 servings = $0.58 per serving
4 Pound Box
The 4 pound box costs around $9.99 at Costco.
With about 20 one-cup servings per box, that comes out to:
$9.99 / 20 servings = $0.50 per serving
As you can see, the larger 4 pound box offers a slightly lower cost per serving.
However, keep in mind that the 2.5 pound box may be a better choice for smaller households to avoid waste.
Tips for Serving Kirkland Macaroni & Cheese
Here are some tips for getting the recommended serving size of Kirkland Macaroni & Cheese:
- Use a measuring cup to scoop out one cup portions.
- Consider dishing it up on individual plates rather than letting people serve themselves family-style.
- To reduce fat and calorie intake, you can stretch the mac and cheese by adding in cooked veggies like peas or broccoli.
- For smaller appetites, a half cup serving is fine. Just be aware it will change the nutrition info per serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Portion control is important when indulging in a calorie-dense food like macaroni and cheese. Enjoy it in sensible serving sizes as part of an overall balanced diet.
Comparisons to Other Mac and Cheese Brands
Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese holds up well when compared to other popular packaged macaroni and cheese brands.
Here’s how it stacks up against a few top competitors:
| Kraft Macaroni & Cheese | Annie’s Mac & Cheese | Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese | |
| Calories per serving | 380 | 400 | 380 |
| Fat | 12g | 16g | 13g |
| Sodium | 770mg | 740mg | 930mg |
| Sugars | 3g | 3g | 3g |
| Protein | 7g | 8g | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 57g | 54g |
As you can see, Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese is very comparable to these top national brands in terms of nutrition. It offers a similar amount of calories, fat, carbs, sugars, and more per serving.
The main differences are Kirkland provides more protein and sodium. But overall, it’s a quality store-brand option that stacks up well against the big name competitors.
Recipe Ideas
While Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese is great on its own, you can also dress it up with different mix-ins and ingredients.
Here are some tasty recipe ideas:
Baked Mac and Cheese
For a creamy casserole, turn the stovetop mac and cheese into a baked pasta dish. Simply transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Mac and Cheese with Vegetables
Add some veggies like broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers to boost nutrition. You can stir them into the prepared mac and cheese or mix them into the dish before baking.
Buffalo Mac and Cheese
For a spicy twist, add hot sauce and top with crispy chicken pieces or crumbled blue cheese after cooking. Ranch dressing can help cool it down.
BBQ Mac and Cheese
Mix in shredded barbecue pork or chicken and top with a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Jalapeno Popper Mac
Stir in diced jalapenos and cheddar for a cheesy, spicy kick. Top with crushed cheese crackers or pork rinds for crunch.
Lobster Mac
Fancy it up by folding in cooked lobster meat. Sprinkle the top with parsley or tobiko for garnish.
The cheese sauce pairs well with almost any protein or veggies. Use your imagination to invent your own unique mac and cheese meals!
Storage and Reheating
Like any leftovers, proper storage and reheating is important for food safety with mac and cheese. Here are some tips:
- Let leftover mac and cheese cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to airtight, shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Make sure leftovers are cooled below 41°F as quickly as possible.
- Only reheat the amount needed – don’t keep reheating the entire batch.
- Reheat in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring occasionally.
- You can also reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
- Bring leftovers to 165°F when reheating.
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.
- Do not freeze prepared mac and cheese.
Following proper food handling procedures helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps mac and cheese fresh. Discard any leftovers that look or smell off after reheating.
Conclusion
Kirkland Signature Macaroni & Cheese from Costco provides a convenient, budget-friendly meal option. The number of servings in each box ranges from 12 in the 2.5 pound size to 20 in the 4 pound size.
At around 50 cents per serving, it offers delicious comfort food and decent nutrition for the price. With a few simple add-ins, you can dress up the classic kraft dinner in endless tasty ways. Just be sure to handle and reheat leftovers safely.
So next time you’re shopping at Costco, know that the Kirkland mac and cheese can comfortably feed a crowd. Pick up a box to please the whole family!
