If you are craving a comforting, cheesy dish with an irresistible crunchy twist, look no further than the Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe. This creamy, luscious mac and cheese is elevated by a golden, buttery Cheez-It cracker topping that adds both flavor and texture in the best way possible. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to treat yourself to something exceptional yet simple. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses basic, familiar ingredients that come together to create a rich, cheesy, and perfectly textured mac and cheese. Each element plays a crucial role, from the sharp cheddar’s tang to the Swiss cheese’s smooth melt, and the Cheez-It crust brings that salty, crispy finish you won’t stop dreaming about.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic pasta base that holds all that creamy goodness.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded into approximately 2 ¼ cups): Adds bold cheesiness and richness.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded into approximately 2 ¼ cups): Provides smooth melt and a bit of nutty flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Essential for making a velvety roux and coating the irresistible crust.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch): Thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Elevates the cheesy sauce with a gentle tang.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper): Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the dish.
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk): Creates a luscious, creamy base for the sauce.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: The star topping that creates that unforgettable crunchy, cheesy crust.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for a perfectly baked dish. Boil a large pot of salted water, then add your macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and set them aside—these noodles are the foundation of comfort here.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
While the pasta cooks, shred both the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Having these ready means your creamy cheese sauce will come together quickly without any fuss.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Flavor Base
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Whisk in the ¼ cup of flour to create a roux, which is the secret to a smooth sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and your preferred hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to fully awaken the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Half and Half with the Roux
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the half and half. This step transforms your roux into a creamy, rich base. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar (save ¼ cup for the topping) and all the Swiss cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is velvety smooth and cheesy without a single lump in sight. Then remove the pan from heat.
Step 6: Mix in the Cooked Macaroni
Gently fold the drained macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with that creamy, flavorful mixture. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish—it’s almost time for the star crust.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheez-It Crust
Crush the Cheez-It crackers inside a large zip-top bag using a rolling pin or a few quick pulses in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter, then mix it with the crushed Cheez-Its and the reserved shredded cheddar cheese. This buttery topping will add the perfect crispy, cheesy crunch.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the Cheez-It crust mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For an extra crisp crust, switch the oven to broil on high during the last 2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. The result is pure magic!
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich cheese sauce. For a bit of extra indulgence, a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can bring a gourmet touch to each serving.
Side Dishes
This baked mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. A tangy coleslaw or even some garlic bread can add a satisfying balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with the Cheez-It crust, or even use hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers to add a seasonal flair. This dish also tastes amazing in cute, single-serve Mason jars for a party or potluck presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day comfort meal.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish for longer, freeze it in a tightly sealed container before baking. You can also freeze fully baked mac and cheese, but expect the crust to lose a bit of its crispiness. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to revive the crispy crust and warm the cheese sauce evenly. Cover with foil initially to prevent drying, then remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t preserve that delicious crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Swiss create a lovely balance, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to suit your taste.
What can I substitute for Cheez-It crackers?
If you don’t have Cheez-Its, crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs work well, although the unique cheesy crunch of Cheez-Its is hard to beat!
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian as written, using cheese, butter, and milk. Just make sure your cheese is free from animal rennet if you prefer strict vegetarian options.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the flavor and texture will change somewhat.
How spicy is the hot sauce in this recipe?
The hot sauce adds a subtle warmth that enhances the cheese without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference or omit it altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is comfort food taken to the next level, combining creamy, cheesy noodles with a delightfully crunchy topping that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a meal that brings joy and nostalgia with every bite. Trust me when I say, once you’ve made and tasted this, you’ll have a new favorite to return to again and again. So grab those Cheez-Its, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake your way to happiness!
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: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic elevated with a crunchy, flavorful Cheez-It cracker topping. Combining sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese in a rich, seasoned roux-based sauce, this macaroni casserole is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (approximately 2 ¼ cups)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (approximately 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)
Cheez-It Crust
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from above)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Add the macaroni noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese: While the noodles cook, shred the cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set them aside for the cheese sauce and topping.
- Make Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Stir in ¼ cup flour and whisk thoroughly to form a smooth roux. Season with 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and 3-4 dashes of hot sauce. Whisk and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the spices’ flavors.
- Add Dairy: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the half and half while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start thickening the sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping) and all of the Swiss cheese. Stir consistently until all cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir the cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Crust: Crush the Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zipper bag and rolling with a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor until finely crushed.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Combine the melted butter with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
- Apply Topping: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheese mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish to form a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy crust, switch your oven to broil on high and broil the mac and cheese for an additional 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute cornstarch for flour in the roux for a gluten-free option, but results may vary.
- Use half and half for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Make sure to reserve some shredded cheddar cheese for the crunchy topping.
- Keep a close eye during the broil step to avoid burning the crust.
- Use fresh sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
