If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy, flavorful topping, you’ve just found it. This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is like a warm, nostalgic hug on a plate, featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, all crowned by a wonderfully crispy Cheez-It cracker crust. It’s the perfect upgrade to classic mac and cheese that will make every bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises smiles and satisfied appetites every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role to create a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Every element is essential, from the sharpness of cheddar and nutty Swiss cheese to the buttery Cheez-It crust that delivers that irresistible crunch.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic base that soaks up all the creamy cheese sauce.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, about 2 ¼ cups): Adds rich, tangy flavor and creaminess.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded, about 2 ¼ cups): Provides a smooth, nutty contrast that melts beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Essential for richness and the roux that thickens the sauce, plus helps crisp the crust.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch): The thickening agent for a silky cheese sauce.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and complements the cheese.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Brings depth and a touch of tang to the sauce.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper): Just enough heat to elevate but not overpower.
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk): Makes the sauce creamy and luscious without weighing it down.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: The show-stopping crust that adds crunch and cheesy flavor.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them well and set aside. Cooking the noodles perfectly is key because you want them firm enough to hold up through baking but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
While the noodles are cooking, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Having your cheeses ready in advance makes the cooking flow smooth and keeps the cheese sauce silky and lump-free.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Seasoned Sauce
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven set over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. This base will thicken the sauce to creamy perfection. Add salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and dashes of hot sauce to bring vibrant flavor complexity. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes—this step is crucial to unlock the spices’ full potential.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the half and half. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then stir in the shredded cheddar (reserve a little for topping) and all the Swiss cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and you’re left with a smooth, glossy cheese sauce that’s begging to be poured over noodles.
Step 5: Combine Noodles with Cheese Sauce
Remove the cheese sauce from heat and gently stir in the cooked macaroni noodles. Make sure every noodle is bathed in that creamy, dreamy sauce before transferring the mixture into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This layering is what turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheez-It Crust
Put the Cheez-It crackers into a large zipper bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them a few times in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter and mix it with the crushed crackers and remaining shredded cheddar cheese. This buttery, cheesy topping will bake into a golden, crispy crust that’s totally addictive.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the crust is golden and crisp. For an irresistible extra crunch, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes—just keep an eye to avoid burning.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole right before serving. These vibrant green herbs add a fresh pop of color and a mild flavor contrast to the rich, cheesy base. If you want to crowning touch, a light dusting of smoked paprika can add warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling, but pairing it with a crisp, tangy salad balances the richness perfectly. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli bring wonderful texture and bright flavors alongside your creamy, crunchy main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with the Cheez-It crust. This makes for charming single servings and a fun way to showcase this recipe at parties or family dinners. Alternatively, serve it as a thick layer in a buffet-style dish where everyone can dig into the bubbly, crunchy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover baked mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further overnight, making reheated portions taste just as delicious.
Freezing
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or cover the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it a fantastic dish to prepare in advance for busy nights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you love a crispy topping as fresh as when first baked, uncover during the last 5 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses provide a classic flavor balance, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a twist. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep the sauce creamy.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. If you want to make it vegan, you can try dairy-free cheeses and milk alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ notably from the original.
Can I substitute the Cheez-It crackers?
Definitely! If you don’t have Cheez-Its on hand, crushed cheese-flavored crackers, panko mixed with Parmesan, or even crushed cornflakes can work well as a crunchy topping. Each variation will add a different dimension to the crust.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can use whole milk as a substitute. The sauce might be slightly less creamy but still delicious. For extra richness, adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream can help mimic the silky texture.
Can this recipe be doubled for a bigger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes to heat through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is genuinely one of those recipes that brings people together over comfort and joy. Its creamy cheese sauce paired with that crispy, buttery Cheez-It topping is a total winner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this your go-to dish for family dinners or cozy nights in. Happy cooking!
Print
Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Topped with a crunchy, flavorful Cheez-It cracker crust for added texture and a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles
Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, approx. 2 ¼ cups)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded, approx. 2 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3–4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper)
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk)
Topping
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from above)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese: While noodles cook, shred the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set aside. Reserve ¼ cup of the cheddar for the topping.
- Make Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and let it melt. Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour to create a roux. Season with 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and 3-4 dashes of hot sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking to develop flavor.
- Add Dairy: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in 3 cups of half and half, whisking continuously to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Melt Cheese Sauce: Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar (reserve ¼ cup for topping) and all the Swiss cheese. Continue stirring consistently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the cheese sauce from heat. Incorporate the cooked macaroni noodles thoroughly into the sauce. Transfer the mixture evenly to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: Crush 2 cups of Cheez-It crackers finely using a rolling pin inside a large zipper bag or pulse in a food processor. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter. Mix the melted butter with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top Mac and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheddar topping mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier crust, switch the oven setting to broil on high and broil for an additional 2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for half and half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- Make sure to cook the roux and spices before adding milk to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Reserve some shredded cheese to enhance the topping flavor and texture.
- Carefully watch the dish if broiling to avoid burning the Cheez-It crust.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
