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If you are searching for a comforting and irresistible dish that takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level, this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy, savory Cheez-It crust, this dish perfectly balances rich, gooey textures and a satisfying crispy topping, making it an instant family favorite. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe uses simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the sharp and nutty cheddar to the mellow Swiss cheese, and the buttery Cheez-It topping, every element is essential to the final irresistible result.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic base that holds all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a bold, tangy flavor that defines traditional mac and cheese.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded): Brings a smooth, creamy richness to the cheese sauce.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Essential for both the roux base and the crunchy topping.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce into that luscious, velvety texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to deepen the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: A secret ingredient that cuts through the richness with a slight tang.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce: Carefully balanced heat that livens the sauce, or substitute with ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- 3 cups half and half: Creates a creamy, luscious cheese sauce that’s not too heavy.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: The star of the crunchy crust that adds incredible flavor and crisp texture.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your macaroni noodles until just al dente, following package instructions to ensure they remain firm yet tender once baked. Drain and set them aside—this simple step creates the perfect pasta base for your cheesy masterpiece.
Step 2: Shred the Cheese
While the noodles cook, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and blends beautifully into the sauce, giving you that creamy, velvety texture that canned cheese sauces could never match.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Season It
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. This base thickens your cheese sauce perfectly. Next, add salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce for a flavorful punch that truly elevates the dish.
Step 4: Add the Dairy and Cheese
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the half and half, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Stir in most of your sharp cheddar cheese and all the Swiss cheese, mixing continuously until everything melts into a rich, dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in your cooked macaroni noodles until they’re fully coated in that luscious cheese mixture. Transfer everything into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, creating the perfect canvas for your crunchy topping.
Step 6: Create the Cheez-It Crust
Crush the Cheez-It crackers until they’re fine crumbs—either with a rolling pin inside a zipper bag or pulsing in a food processor. Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter and mix it with the cracker crumbs and reserved cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this irresistibly flavorful mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the dish on high for 2 minutes at the end. Watching that Cheez-It crust turn perfectly crunchy is one of the most exciting parts of this cooking adventure.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright, fresh contrast that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. A light dusting of paprika can also lend a warm, smoky note that complements the baked crust wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with vibrant green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus and Brussels sprouts. For heartier meals, serve alongside grilled chicken or barbecue ribs—a meal that’s both comforting and complete.
Creative Ways to Present Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Try serving your mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also layer it in a clear casserole dish so everyone can admire the golden crust before diving in. This recipe’s irresistible look and smell make presentation an exciting part of the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the fresh-baked mac and cheese, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making for another tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the baked dish before adding the Cheez-It topping. Cover it tightly, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before topping and baking fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to help keep the cheesy sauce creamy and the topping crisp. Microwaving works too but may soften the crust. A quick 2-minute broil afterward can help restore some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar and Swiss?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Swiss work beautifully here, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a different twist on flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to use half and half, or can I use milk?
Half and half adds richness and creaminess, but whole milk is a fine substitute if you want a lighter sauce. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
How do I ensure the Cheez-It crust stays crunchy?
Using melted butter mixed with crushed Cheez-It crackers helps the topping brown and crisp beautifully. Broiling for the last couple of minutes of baking intensifies that crunch, so don’t skip this step if you love a crispy top.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free crackers or a different crunchy topping.
What can I do to make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to add extra heat. You could also toss in some finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese sauce for a fresh, spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is such a joyful way to elevate a beloved comfort food into something truly unforgettable. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy, flavorful crust that you won’t be able to resist. I promise, once you try it, it’ll earn a special place in your recipe rotation for good. Happy baking and savor every cheesy bite!
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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 Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic elevated by a crunchy, savory Cheez-It cracker topping. Made with sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese, this recipe features a rich, buttery cheese sauce poured over tender macaroni noodles, then baked to bubbly perfection with a crispy, flavorful crust. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a delicious twist that cheese lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 ¼ cups)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 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)
Crust
- 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 to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Cheeses: While the pasta cooks, shred the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set them aside for the cheese sauce and topping.
- Make Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and melt it. Then whisk in ¼ cup flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Season Roux: Stir in salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce (or cayenne) into the roux. Whisk to combine and let it cook briefly to enhance the flavors.
- Add Dairy: Reduce heat to medium-low, slowly pour in the half and half while whisking continuously. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to thicken the sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar and all the Swiss cheese until fully melted and smooth, forming a creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and mix in the cooked macaroni noodles thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Crust: Crush Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a zipper bag and rolling with a pin or pulsing in a food processor until finely crumbled.
- Mix Crust Topping: In a medium bowl, melt ¼ cup butter. Combine with crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well.
- Top Mac and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It crust mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the crust is golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil on high for the last 2 minutes if desired.
Notes
- Use half and half for a richer sauce, or substitute whole milk for a lighter version.
- You can substitute cornstarch for flour to make it gluten-free, but note texture differences.
- Adjust hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
- For a sharper flavor, consider adding extra sharp cheddar or a bit of Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Broiling at the end enhances the crust’s crunch, but watch closely to avoid burning.
