If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food experience, this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe will become your new go-to dish. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni topped with a perfectly crunchy, buttery Cheez-It crust that adds an irresistible twist to a classic favorite. Every bite is a balance of rich cheese sauce and a salty, crispy topping that brings out all the nostalgic flavors with a playful upgrade. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or sharing it with friends, this recipe delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple and straightforward is key to nailing the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in this dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the sharp cheddar’s tang to the Swiss cheese’s smooth melt and the buttery, cheesy Cheez-It crust that crowns the whole bake.
- Uncooked macaroni noodles (16 ounces): The classic pasta base that holds all the cheesy goodness together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (8 ounces): Provides a rich, tangy core flavor essential for depth.
- Swiss cheese, shredded (8 ounces): Adds a mellow nuttiness and smooth melt for luscious creaminess.
- Unsalted butter, divided (½ cup): Used both in the roux for creaminess and the Cheez-It topping for a golden crust.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup) or cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Creates the thick, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of macaroni.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right bit of sharp spice to keep it interesting.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): Elevates the cheese sauce with a subtle tangy warmth.
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (3-4 dashes or ¼ teaspoon): A gentle kick that brightens and deepens the flavor profile.
- Half and half or whole milk (3 cups): Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
- Cheez-It crackers (2 cups): The star of the crust, crushed for a buttery, cheesy topping that’s heaven on top.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, giving it enough time to reach the perfect baking temperature. While waiting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain them thoroughly and set aside, ready to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cheese and Roux
While the pasta cooks, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese so they’re ready to melt into that luscious sauce. Next, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Season this with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne to give your sauce an irresistible depth of flavor. Cook this mixture gently for 1-2 minutes to let those flavors blossom.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the half and half, stirring constantly until you have a silky, thickened sauce. Now, fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and all the Swiss cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and create that signature rich, creamy texture that defines baked mac and cheese.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Once your cheesy sauce is perfectly smooth, remove the pan from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix everything until the pasta is evenly coated with that gorgeous, cheesy goodness. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top out for an even bake.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheez-It Crust
Next up, the star topping! Crush 2 cups of Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zippered bag and rolling a rolling pin over them until finely crumbed, or pulse a few times in a food processor for ease. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of unsalted butter and mix it with the crushed crackers and the last ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This combo will give you a topping that crisps up beautifully and adds that brilliant cheesy crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the Cheez-It mixture evenly over your mac and cheese. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy crust, flip your oven setting to broil for the final 2 minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn—just enough to get that irresistible crunch.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh touch to your Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top after baking. A little cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of truffle oil also makes for a stunning finishing touch that amps up flavor without overpowering the rich, cheesy magic beneath.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with simple, crisp sides like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or even crispy fried chicken for a comforting feast that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for parties or weeknight dinners. Or layer your Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe in a clear glass casserole dish for a visual feast—everyone will see those golden layers and crunchy topping before the first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and it will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, it’s easy to reheat without losing the creamy texture or crunch of the topping.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Frozen mac and cheese stays fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or, for better results, in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes to keep it moist. For an extra crispy topping, remove the foil toward the end and let it bake uncovered for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Swiss give this recipe its classic flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, or gouda for fun twists. Just be mindful of meltability and flavor intensity.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux and check that your Cheez-It crackers are gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative to maintain the delicious crunchy topping.
Can I make this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe spicy?
Definitely. Increase the hot sauce or cayenne pepper amount to your taste, or add finely diced jalapeños right into the cheese sauce for a fiery kick that complements the creamy base beautifully.
What’s the best way to crush Cheez-It crackers for the topping?
The easiest way is to put the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. A quick pulse or two in a food processor works well too, just be careful not to over-process into powder.
Can I prepare this dish completely ahead of time?
You can assemble the mac and cheese and the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings new life to a classic favorite with minimal fuss. Once you try the perfect harmony of creamy cheese and crispy Cheez-It topping, this recipe will likely become a permanent member of your comfort food rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious!
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 Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust recipe offers a rich and creamy mac and cheese base made with sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, topped with a crunchy, flavorful Cheez-It cracker crust. The dish is baked to golden perfection, combining a velvety cheese sauce with a crispy, cheesy topping for an irresistible comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Cheese: While the noodles cook, shred both the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set them aside.
- Prepare Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Stir in ¼ cup flour and whisk thoroughly to create a roux. Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Milk: Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the half and half while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring it thickens nicely.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving ¼ cup for topping) and all the Swiss cheese. Keep stirring until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles until well-coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cheez-It Crust: Crush the Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zipper bag and rolling with a rolling pin or pulsing them in a food processor.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter. Combine with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to coat.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheddar mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier crust, switch the oven to broil on high during the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for half and half for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich.
- Using cornstarch instead of flour is an alternative thickening option for gluten-free cooking; adjust quantity accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your preference.
- To make the crust extra crispy, pulse the Cheez-It crackers finely but not to powder.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by assembling the mac and cheese, refrigerating it, and baking when ready.
