Double Cheese Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy and cheesy, this Double Cheese Macaroni and Cheese combines sharp Cheddar and cottage cheese for a rich, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy cheese lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Layer the cooked macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, and creamed cottage cheese in a greased 2-quart baking dish, starting with macaroni and ending with cheese.
- Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour to make a smooth mixture.
- Gradually blend in milk, stirring constantly.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, then cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add salt and white pepper to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the layered macaroni and cheese in the dish.
- If using bread crumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate if desired before baking.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes; if refrigerated, increase baking time by 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, you can substitute with a blend of mozzarella and Gouda for a different flavor profile. To enhance the taste, try incorporating garlic powder or mustard powder into the cheese sauce. This recipe can be easily modified to suit vegetarian recipes by using vegetable broth instead of milk.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls for added texture. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins for a unique brunch experience that combines savory and sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Double Cheese Macaroni and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double Cheese Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 673 calories, with 29g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2193mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni for the regular pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower depending on the brand. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the flour if you choose to use it in the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your Double Cheese Macaroni and Cheese, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the cheese sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and adjust the baking time, adding about 10 minutes if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).