Wellsley Farms Mac And Cheese Bites

As a busy mom trying to put healthy, delicious meals on the table each night, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy options to feed my family. One of my go-to shortcuts is keeping a bag of Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites in my freezer. These tasty morsels provide a quick weeknight solution that even my pickiest eater loves.

But not all frozen mac and cheese bites are created equal. That’s why I’ve put together this complete buying guide to help you navigate the world of Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites. Consider this your one-stop shop for everything you need to know – from ingredients and nutrition info to cooking instructions and storage tips. Let’s dive in!

What Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Made Of?

The first thing I want to know about any pre-made food is what’s in it. Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites contain a simple list of ingredients: macaroni (made from wheat flour), cheese (a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Romano), water, breadcrumbs (wheat flour, yeast, salt), milkfat, and less than 2% of butter (cream, salt), salt, whey protein concentrate, yeast extract, citric acid, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, natural flavors, parsley, and turmeric extract (for color).

As you can see, these bites get their cheesy flavor primarily from a blend of popular cheese varieties like cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Romano. The macaroni is made from wheat flour, so these do contain gluten. Overall, it’s a short, recognizable ingredient list free of artificial colors and preservatives.

Where Can I Buy Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

Wellsley Farms is Costco’s exclusive house brand, so the only place you can find these Mac and Cheese Bites is at your local Costco warehouse. They come in a large 2.5 pound plastic bag in the freezer section. One bag contains about 64 individual bites.

The great thing about buying these at Costco is that you get a lot of bang for your buck compared to the smaller bags other brands sell at the grocery store. The jumbo size is perfect for stocking up so you always have a quick dinner or snack on hand.

Costco does limit purchases to five bags per member. But for a family that goes through them regularly like mine, we’ve never had an issue buying our five bag max each visit.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Gluten-Free?

No, Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites contain gluten. The main sources of gluten are the wheat flour used to make the macaroni and the breadcrumbs coating the outside.

So if you need to avoid gluten for health reasons, these bites wouldn’t be the best option for you. There are some gluten-free frozen mac and cheese brands available, but unfortunately you won’t find a gluten-free version of the Wellsley Farms ones at Costco.

How Do I Cook Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

The great thing about frozen prepared foods like these is that cooking them couldn’t be easier. According to the instructions on the bag, you have a few quick and easy cooking options:

Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place desired number of bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Microwave: Microwave 2-3 bites on a microwave-safe plate for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Let rest for 1 minute before eating.

Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway.

No matter which cooking method you use, the bites should turn out crispy on the outside and hot and melty on the inside when they’re done. The oven produces the crispiest results, while the microwave is best for a quick snack for one.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Healthy?

Like most convenience foods, Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites aren’t the pinnacle of healthy eating. But as an occasional option, they’re not too bad. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts for 6 bites (85g):

• Calories: 330
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 11g

The calorie, fat, and sodium content is on the high side. But you are getting 11g of protein and no artificial ingredients. Overall, I don’t think they’re nutritionally terrible when eaten in moderation. Just don’t make a whole bag a daily habit!

What Is the Calorie Count for Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

Speaking of nutrition stats, let’s talk calorie count. The entire 2.5 pound bag of Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites contains about 64 individual bites at 330 calories per 6 bite serving.

So if you’re portioning them out, each bite equals approximately 55 calories. That’s comparable to other brands of frozen mac and cheese bites. It provides a pretty substantial calorie load in just one little nugget.

When I’m limiting calories, I find that 2-3 bites paired with carrots or celery and some ranch dressing makes a satisfying sub-100 calorie snack. For bigger appetites, 6 bites cooked up with a side salad makes a more filling meal.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Available in Bulk?

In a way, yes! Since Wellsley Farms products are exclusive to Costco, you can only purchase their Mac and Cheese Bites in the large 2.5 pound bag. I consider that kind of a bulk size compared to the smaller 12-16 ounce bags that brands like Van’s and Trader Joe’s offer.

The jumbo Costco size is one reason these have become a go-to in my house. I like keeping multiple bags in my freezer so I can just grab and cook a few anytime without running out. If you have a big family or like to meal prep ahead of time, buying in bulk is definitely the way to go.

What Is the Price of Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

One of the best things about shopping at Costco is getting more for your money. Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites cost $8.99 per 2.5 pound bag. Compared to other brands at my local grocery store that are $6-$8 for less than half that amount, that’s an amazing value!

The price comes out to a very reasonable $0.14 per ounce. So while the upfront cost may seem high since it’s such a big bag, you’re actually saving in the long run with Costco’s bulk pricing.

With how tasty they are and how quick and easy it is to prepare them, I think these Mac and Cheese Bites are worth every penny for busy families like mine. They’re cheaper than takeout or delivery for sure!

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Good for Kids?

In my experience, kids go absolutely crazy for these things! Mac and cheese is already such a kid-friendly food, and turning them into poppable little bites makes them even more fun and delicious for little ones.

Mine devour these every chance they get. They’re soft and chewy with crispy edges, full of ooey-gooey cheesy goodness. I also love that they’re made with real cheese and milkfat, not that artificial powdered stuff you find in boxed mac and cheese.

The bites are the perfect size for little hands to pick up and dip. And they’re pretty mild, so even my picky eaters have no problem gobbling them up. For a quick and easy meal I know they’ll love, Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites are a winner in my book.

What Are the Reviews For Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

Scouring online reviews before trying a new product is my go-to. So I was pleased to see overwhelmingly positive reviews of these Mac and Cheese Bites across blogs, YouTube, and the Costco site.

People rave about the great cheesy flavor and crispy Panko breading. Many reviewers say they’re better than baked or fried versions from restaurants. They also appreciate the convenience of having them ready to cook in the freezer.

Some negatives I saw were that they’re smaller than expected and a few people had issues with soggy breading if overcooked. But those seem to be in the minority. Overall, people agree these are tasty and addicting freezer snacks with kid appeal. Trying them myself, I definitely agree with the positive hype!

Do Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Contain Artificial Ingredients?

Nope! Reading through the ingredients list, these Mac and Cheese Bites contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The vibrant orange color actually comes from turmeric extract, not fake food dyes.

It’s nice to find a convenience food like this with a short, clean ingredient list. The cheeses used are common real-deal varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack and Romano. There are no hydrogenated oils or fake cheese products.

I do wish the breadcrumbs weren’t enriched wheat flour so it could be considered clean label. But for the most part, I’m comfortable feeding these bites made with simple whole food ingredients to my family. No funky additives or dyes is a major win in my book!

How Long Do I Bake Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites in the Oven?

According to the baking instructions on the bag, you’ll want to bake Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

I like to line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil before spreading them out in a single layer. Flipping them over mid-bake helps the coating crisp up evenly on both sides.

For a large full baking sheet, I usually go closer to 18 minutes. If I’m only baking a few at a time, 15 minutes is plenty. You want the outside to get crispy and golden brown without the insides drying out.

The great thing is they hold up well in a hot oven. I’ve never had issues with them burning or the breading falling off with this cook time. Just keep an eye on them through the oven window as they bake.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Made With Real Cheese?

You bet! The ingredient list shows they contain a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Romano cheeses. No fake cheese products or powders in sight.

You can really taste the authentic cheese flavors coming through in each bite. There’s a sharpness from the cheddar, creaminess from mozzarella, and tang from the Romano. Together they create an irresistible cheesy medley.

The melty texture and orange color are dead giveaways that natural cheese is used. My kids can always tell the difference versus bites made with artificial powdered cheese. To their discerning palates, Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites pass the taste test with flying colors!

Can I Air Fry Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

You sure can! Air frying makes these bites come out super crispy outside with a melted center. If you have an air fryer, it’s my favorite hands-off way to cook them up.

Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place a single layer of bites in the fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping them over about halfway through.

The air fryer really crisps up and browns the Panko breadcrumbs nicely compared to the oven. And at only 6 minutes cook time, it’s the fastest method.

If you’re cooking a big batch, you can work in batches, keeping the cooked ones warm in a low oven while the rest finish up. My kids love grabbing the piping hot bites straight from the air fryer for an after school snack.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Vegetarian?

Yes, these bites are fully vegetarian! The ingredients contain no meat, poultry, fish or animal products other than milkfat and cheese. They’re a great protein-packed snack for vegetarians.

Do be aware that they are made in a facility that also processes seafood and egg products. So people with severe allergies would want to note that. But those with a standard lacto-ovo vegetarian diet can safely enjoy Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites.

They’re also a smart choice for kids’ parties or school events when you’re not sure of all the guests’ dietary needs. Veggie, gluten-free, kosher – these bites check a lot of boxes to please most appetites!

How Do Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Compare to Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s is another popular spot for frozen appetizers like these. They offer a similar type of Mac & Cheese Bites. So how do Wellsley Farms stack up against TJ’s?

Here’s a quick run down of the key differences:

• Price: Wellsley Farms are about 30% cheaper per ounce
• Size: You get over 2 1/2 pounds of Wellsley vs under a pound of Trader Joe’s
• Breading: Trader Joe’s uses panko, Wellsley uses regular breadcrumbs
• Flavor: Wellsley has more cheese variety for deeper flavor
• Availability: Wellsley only at Costco vs Trader Joe’s in their stores

For my money, I find the Wellsley Farms ones to be a better value, with more size options and bolder cheesy taste. But Trader Joe’s are still a tasty pick, especially for smaller households. Either frozen mac and cheese bite makes a super quick and easy dinner or snack!

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

The great thing about finger foods like these is that they pair perfectly with fun, creamy dipping sauces! Here are some of my favorites:

• Ranch – The classic partner for bites. Use regular or spicy ranch.
• Marinara – For an Italian twist, marinara sauce adds tang.
• Queso – For extra cheesy flavor, nothing beats smooth, dippable queso.
• Honey mustard – Sweet and savory, a dipping classic. Use yellow mustard or Dijon.
• Guacamole – Fresh and flavorful, the creaminess complements the crispy bites.
• Salsa – For some Tex-Mex flair, tomato salsa adds a zesty kick.

We like to make a few different dip options and let everyone pick their favorite sauce or try a combo. It makes for an interactive meal or appetizer! The crispy Panko coating on these bites is sturdy enough to scoop and dunk without falling apart.

How Do I Store Leftover Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites?

One of the bonuses of cooking up only what you need from the bag is you’ll likely have leftovers. Here are some storage tips:

• Let bites cool completely before storing.
• Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic freezer bag.
• Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
• To freeze, pack bites in single layers separated by parchment paper.
• Frozen, they’ll keep 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Properly stored, these will maintain their texture and flavor for several days in the fridge or months in the freezer. Frozen leftover bites go straight back into the oven or air fryer whenever you get a cheesy craving! Low fuss and no waste.

Are Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Available at BJ’s Wholesale Club?

Since Wellsley Farms is Costco’s private label, you won’t find this exact product available anywhere else, including BJ’s Wholesale Club.

However, BJ’s does offer their own version of frozen mac and cheese bites under their Wellsley Farms label.

The BJ’s ones sound very similar – they’re made with real cheddar, mozzarella and Romano cheeses with a crispy coating. But they only come in a 30 ounce bag rather than the jumbo 2.5 pound Costco size.

If you’re a BJ’s member without access to Costco, those could be a good alternative. But for maximum value and quantity, I recommend tracking down the Costco version if you can. Their Wellsley Farms bites are top notch!

Do Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites Get Crispy in the Microwave?

My kids sometimes request these bites after school for a quick snack before dinner. When I’m in a real rush, I’ll zap a few in the microwave. But will they get crispy?

The short answer is: kind of, but not really. The microwave produces the softest texture and least crispy exterior out of all the cooking methods. The breading does get slightly hardened in spots where it dries out. But it’s nowhere near as crispy as the oven or air fryer.

I recommend microwaving only if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind softer bites. For maximum crunch, always opt for oven baking or air frying instead. Let the microwave be your last resort!

Well, there you have it – everything you could possibly need to know about Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites before you buy them! Hopefully this guide gave you the scoop on ingredients, price, nutrition, cooking tips, and how these tempting bites stack up to other options.

In my experience, these freezer aisle staples are worth every penny. They’re bigger, cheaper, and tastier than other brands. I feel good about serving my family these cheese bites made with recognizable, high quality ingredients too.

So next time you’re at Costco cruising for good finds, make sure to grab a bag (or five!) of Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites. Just be prepared for some very happy kids at dinnertime!