Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

This creamy, ultra-cheesy, golden mac and cheese has a cult following and if you’ve ever tried the version from Whole Foods’ hot bar, you know exactly why. Rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced, the Copycat Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers everything you love about the original… but from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re making it as a weeknight side, a holiday staple, or just to satisfy a major craving, this copycat version will hit every mark.

Why You’ll Love This Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe

• It’s ultra-creamy and rich without being greasy.
• Quick and simple for busy weeknights.
• Tastes just like the Whole Foods version maybe better.
• Easy to customize or scale up for a crowd.

If you’re in the mood for even more cheesy goodness, don’t miss the Easy 3-Cheese Mac Recipe for another irresistible version!

Pure Comfort Copycat Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe

This recipe captures that nostalgic comfort every bite is soft, cheesy, and buttery. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and smile. For an extra satisfying side, try pairing it with a budget-friendly casserole option like this French fry casserole.

Ingredients of Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

You don’t need anything fancy just a few real ingredients make this dish shine.

Pro Tip: For that extra Whole Foods flavor, try adding a pinch of turmeric and a dash of nutritional yeast to enhance the cheesy notes.

What You Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater
• Colander

You can also bake this mac and cheese in a casserole dish if you prefer a crispy top but traditionally, this version is smooth and stovetop-style.

Time to Cook Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

Steps to Make Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. Start the roux
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
3. Make the cheese sauce
   Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Combine pasta and sauce
   Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well until all pasta is coated.
5. Serve immediately
   Or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a crispy finish.

Make Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Perfect

Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother skip the pre-shredded stuff. And don’t overcook your pasta it will continue softening in the hot sauce.

Want more heat? A side of spicy honey chicken for heat lovers turns this into a spicy comfort bomb.

Mix Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Up

Mix-ins to try:

• Broccoli or peas
• Bacon crumbles
• Roasted garlic
• Cheesy beans on toast for the ultimate comfort combo

Perfect Partners

This mac pairs well with:

Garlic butter bacon twists for a crunchy cheesy top-off crisp, or smoky flavors.

Crispy fried chicken

Tomato soup

Garlic green beans

Busy Day Hero Copycat Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe

Pressed for time? Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate. Boil fresh pasta and combine when ready just like you would with this slow cooker pasta recipe on RitaFlavors.

Work Ahead

Need to plan ahead?

• Make the cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
• Boil the pasta ahead of time and store separately (toss in a little olive oil to keep it from sticking)
• Assemble the casserole and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours

Save Some For Later

This dish stores and reheats beautifully.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, or in the microwave
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months (best without baking first)

Everyone’s Happy

This mac is kid-approved, adult-devoured, and leftover-safe. Add a fun twist by pairing it with jalapeño corn nuggets for a sweet-and-spicy treat.

Good For You Too

While this is certainly comfort food, you can tweak it to be a little lighter:

• Use reduced-fat cheese or Greek yogurt in place of cream
• Swap out white pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta
• Add steamed cauliflower to the sauce and blend it in for sneaky nutrition

Easy Clean Up Copycat Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Recipe

Only two pots needed one for pasta, one for cheese sauce. That’s it! Like the one-pot cheesy taco pasta, it’s easy on the dishes and big on flavor.

Switch Whole Foods Mac and Cheese Up

Tired of traditional?

• Use gruyère or gouda for a different flavor
• Add truffle oil for a fancy twist
• Top with buttery breadcrumbs for crunch
• Stir in pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique take

Simply Perfect

No matter how you serve it, this mac and cheese is simply perfect. Creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and timeless just like the one from your favorite hot bar, but made with love in your own kitchen.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and gives a creamier texture.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry.

3. Can I bake it instead of serving stovetop?

Yes! Add to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger pot and dish. Great for feeding a crowd.

5. Can I make it spicy?

Try adding hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

6. Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Conclusion for Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

Now you can enjoy your favorite Whole Foods hot bar mac and cheese at home anytime, any night. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this is a comfort classic that never disappoints.

Hungry for more? Pair it with a Reese’s Cheesecake Delight for dessert bliss.

Happy cooking with Rita Chef ❤️

Whole Foods Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and rich this Whole Foods Mac and Cheese recipe brings the flavor of the iconic hot bar favorite straight into your kitchen. It’s easy, indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holidays.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black)
Optional: pinch of turmeric or nutritional yeast for color and flavor boost

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold in cooked pasta until evenly coated. Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes for a crispy golden top.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier result than pre-shredded. To lighten the dish, use low-fat milk or swap cream for Greek yogurt. You can add mix-ins like broccoli, bacon, or roasted garlic to elevate the flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner / Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop (Baking Optional)
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Whole Foods Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, hot bar copycat