If you are craving a crowd-pleasing comfort food that takes macaroni and cheese to an exciting new level, you absolutely must try this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe. It combines the creamy, dreamy, cheesy sauce you love with a perfectly crunchy, golden crust made from crushed Cheez-It crackers. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of smooth richness and crispy, savory topping, making it a guaranteed hit at any family dinner or potluck. Honestly, this dish is the kind of homemade comfort food that feels like a warm hug, with the added surprise of that irresistible Cheez-It crunch topping it off!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the luscious cheese sauce, building the perfect creamy texture, or adding a punch of flavor and crunchy color with the Cheez-It crust.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness perfectly.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Provides a robust and tangy cheese flavor that’s essential for that authentic mac and cheese taste.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded): Adds a smooth, nutty creaminess that balances the sharp cheddar.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Used for the roux and the topping for richness and that perfect golden finish.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch): Thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect luscious consistency.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances every flavor, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Gives a tangy undertone that brightens the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper): Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk): Creates a creamy, dreamy base for the sauce that’s never heavy.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: The star ingredient for the signature crunchy crust bursting with cheesy flavor.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Macaroni
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set them aside—it’s important they’re not overcooked, so they hold their shape during baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cheese and Roux
Meanwhile, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, aiming for about 2 ¼ cups of each. This blend delivers a balanced cheese flavor and creamy texture. Next, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux—this will thicken your sauce beautifully. Season the roux with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce or cayenne. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes allows the spices to bloom, building layers of flavor!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the half and half, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting it thicken ever so slightly. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar with all the Swiss cheese and continue stirring until everything melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. This step transforms your cheese into the perfect velvety coating for those noodles!
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce, Then Prep the Crust
Once the cheese is completely melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in your drained macaroni noodles, folding gently to coat every piece. Transfer this delicious mixture to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish to get ready for the final touches. Next, crush your Cheez-It crackers using a rolling pin inside a large zipper bag or blitz them lightly in a food processor—either method works to give you that crispy topping texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheez-It Crust and Bake
In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter, then toss it with the crushed Cheez-Its and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this irresistible topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. For an ultra-crispy finish, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning!
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of bright flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the baked macaroni. For an extra indulgent touch, a few crispy bacon bits on top will make your guests swoon!
Side Dishes
This baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh salads like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or classic coleslaw. Roasted or steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, bring a lovely balance to the richness and add a healthy crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. This not only looks charming but keeps the mac and cheese piping hot and perfectly crispy right to the last bite. For casual gatherings, consider turning this into a mac and cheese bar with various toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese blends, and diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their own serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked mac and cheese with Cheez-It crust recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, though the crust might lose a bit of its crunch. If you want to revive the crispiness, finish it off under the broiler for a minute or two.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze it before baking to preserve the textures better. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the mac and cheese in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method helps recreate that crisp topping and creamy interior. Microwaving works in a pinch but may leave the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar and Swiss?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Swiss provide a fantastic blend of flavors and texture, feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different twist. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy sauce delightful.
What if I don’t have Cheez-It crackers? Can I use something else?
If you can’t find Cheez-It crackers, crispy cheese-flavored crackers or even crushed Ritz crackers mixed with a bit of grated Parmesan can work. The key is to have a flavorful, crunchy topping that adds texture and cheesy punch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch and use gluten-free macaroni noodles. Just make sure your Cheez-It-style crackers are also gluten-free or substitute with an alternative cracker.
How spicy is the hot sauce addition?
The hot sauce or cayenne is there to add a subtle warmth that enhances the cheese flavors without making the dish spicy. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit it if you prefer a milder version.
Can I prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe enough if you want to impress at your next meal with something uniquely delicious yet comfortingly familiar. The creamy cheese sauce combined with that crunchy, cheesy topping is honestly addictive and will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try making this, it’s going to become one of those recipes you want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion because it’s THAT good.
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Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and indulgent Baked Mac and Cheese featuring a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, topped with a crunchy, flavorful Cheez-It cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe combines a rich cheese sauce with tender macaroni, baked to golden perfection.
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, reserved from above)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook macaroni noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred cheeses: While the noodles cook, shred both the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, ensuring they’re ready for the sauce.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth to create a roux. Add salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce or cayenne, whisking to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add half and half: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the half and half, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate cheeses: Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserving ¼ cup for topping) along with all the Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese completely melts, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine with pasta: Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni noodles evenly. Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cheez-It topping: Crush the Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zipper bag and pounding with a rolling pin or pulsing in a food processor until crumbly.
- Mix topping ingredients: In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Combine this melted butter with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Apply topping: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheese mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. For an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Notes
- Reserve part of the shredded cheddar cheese for topping to get a flavorful crust.
- Use half and half for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Adjust hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Broil at the end carefully and watch closely to avoid burning the topping.
- This recipe can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
