Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

This Southern-style Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese recipe is tried and true. Double-up on the cheese flavor and it’s certain to be a side dish you’ll return to over and over again.  

Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This southern-style mac and cheese recipe is family tested and approved. It pairs well with so many Southern comfort foods that we love. This macaroni and cheese goes well with Southern fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, alongside saucy baby back ribs, root beer baked beans and layered Southwestern cornbread salad just to name a few. This recipe features tender jumbo elbow macaroni is smothered in a made from scratch double cheddar cheese sauce turning it into a go-to side dish for practically any meal. It’s good for the soul food.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Macaroni – I use jumbo elbow macaroni with ridges as it really clings to the sauce. Classic elbow macaroni will work.
• White Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds an intense cheesy flavor
• Medium Cheddar Cheese – This balances the sharp flavor and adds color to the sauce.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will work in this recipe.
• All Purpose Flour – This forms the base of the roux for the cheese sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper – These handy common seasonings are a must and can be found in every kitchen.
• Mustard – Dijon mustard adds a tang to the sauce that boosts the flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Cream cheese melts into the sauce and makes it velvety smooth. It also binds the sauce in the absence of eggs. There are no eggs in this macaroni and cheese.
• Liquid – Whole milk forms the base of the sauce. You could use half and half or heavy cream to amp up the rich flavor.

How to Make the Best Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Elbow Macaroni – Cook the macaroni in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well, pour into a large bowl.
• Combine the Cheese – Mix the two flavors of shredded cheese together. Set aside.
• Melt Butter – In a medium pot melt butter over medium heat.
• Make the Roux – Add the flour, salt, Dijon and black pepper. Mix until the flour has been absorbed.
• Milk – Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil then immediately lower and simmer until thickened.
• Cream Cheese – Stir the cream cheese into the sauce until it’s melted. 
• Add Shredded Cheese – Remove from the heat, add 3 cups of the cheese blend, stirring until melted.
• Combine – Pour the sauce over the macaroni. Stir until evenly coated.
• Transfer to the Dish – Pour 1/2 of the macaroni mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with one cup cheese. Repeat , finishing with the remaining cheese. Dot the top with butter.
• Oven – Place into the oven and bake per the cook time in the recipe until the top is golden brown.

Kitchen Equipment for Making Mac and Cheese

• A medium pan or large saucepan for making the cheese sauce. If you use a large pot to make the cheese sauce it can double as a mixing bowl.
• Pasta pot for cooking the macaroni.
• Cheese grater for freshly grated cheese.
• Balloon whisk.
• Large spoon or rubber spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• One 13×9-inch baking dish.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pasta – When making this particular cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe I chose jumbo elbow macaroni just to switch things up a bit. You could adapt this southern baked mac recipe using any medium size pasta such as classic elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, penne or ziti.
• Cheese Variations – The sky’s the limit with cheese combinations you can make your own cheese blend. I use two kinds of cheddar in the homemade cheese sauce in this recipe but you could use swiss cheese, gruyere cheese, colby jack cheese, monterey jack cheese, mozzarella cheese or even pepper jack cheese for spice.
• Spices – You could add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for spice.
• Breadcrumb Topping – Can you top macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs? Yes, you can. Toss 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, crushed cracker crumbs or fresh breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it on top before baking.
• Cheese Sauce – If there’s no time to make mac and cheese from scratch, on busy days toss tender cooked pasta with a jar of Ragu cheese sauce (or similar store-bought cheese sauce) for a quick weekday meal hack.
• Don’t Rinse the Noodles – The starch on the macaroni actually helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Why Mustard? Ground mustard powder is commonly found in classic macaroni and cheese recipes. The Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar cheese and gives it an indescribable boost in flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – For a time saver, you can assemble this easy macaroni and cheese recipe in advance, cover and chill in the refrigerator. It’s a great time saver, and you’ll have it ready to bake just before serving. When doing so, it’s ideal to take 15-20 minutes to bring it to room temperature prior to baking. If there’s no time, adjust the baking time to accommodate giving it ample time to heat through and the cheese to become buttery and golden brown on top.
• Storage and Leftovers – Store leftover Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil chilled in the the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat Southern baked macaroni in single servings in the microwave. You can also reheat mac and cheese in a baking dish in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
• Freezer Storage – Cool leftovers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat just before serving.

More Cheesy Southern Macaroni Recipes to Make

• Crumb Topped Macaroni and Cheese Pie with Plum Tomatoes.
• Hot Dog Cheesy Macaroni Casserole always a hit with the kiddos.
• Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese for those busy days and you need a quick cheese sauce.
• Decadent Crab Macaroni and Cheese for the seafood fans in your life.
• Skip the box and make your own Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese will turn any occasion into something special.
• Taco Mac is a one dish meal topped with your favorite taco fixings.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta from Amanda’s Cookin’.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Saucepan
• Measuring Set