If you are ready to elevate the classic comfort food experience, this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe will become your new favorite go-to dish. Creamy, cheesy macaroni is baked under a golden, crunchy topping made from crushed Cheez-It crackers, adding the perfect cheesy crunch that complements every spoonful. This recipe takes the familiar mac and cheese we all love and gives it that playful, irresistible twist with the Cheez-It crust, making each bite a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is bound to impress and satisfy all who try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role: from the sharp cheddar’s boldness to the Swiss cheese’s smooth melt, and the Cheez-It crust’s addictive crunch.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic pasta base that holds all the cheesy goodness.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a tangy, sharp flavor and melts beautifully.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese: Adds creamy, nutty undertones to balance the cheddar.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Used both in the roux and the Cheez-It topping for richness.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch): Thickens the cheese sauce into a luscious texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balance to the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Lifts the cheese flavors with a subtle tang.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper): Brings just the right hint of heat to keep the dish interesting.
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering the cheese.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: Crushed to create that iconic crunchy cheese crust that everyone adores.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until perfectly tender but still firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you create your indulgent cheese sauce.
Step 2: Shred the Cheeses
While the pasta is cooking, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Having the cheeses ready ensures you can seamlessly combine them into a smooth and creamy sauce in the steps ahead.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Season It
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until a roux forms — this mixture gives you the thick, velvety base your sauce needs. Add salt, pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce. Cook the roux for a minute or two to bring out the flavors of your seasonings before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low, slowly pour in the half and half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce come to a gentle boil and thicken. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar and all the Swiss cheese, continuously stirring until the cheese completely melts into a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Take the pan off the heat and fold in the cooked macaroni noodles, making sure every bite will be bursting with that cheesy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ready for the Cheez-It topping.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheez-It Crust
Crush the Cheez-It crackers using a rolling pin in a sealed bag or pulse them quickly in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter and mix it with the crushed Cheez-Its and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. This topping adds that special crisp, cheesy crunch on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the Cheez-It mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. To get an extra crispy crust, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes—watch it closely to avoid burning!
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the hot mac and cheese. These herbs add a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For heartier meals, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or smoky BBQ ribs for a true comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a charming, personal presentation. Or, layer it with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for a gourmet twist that will wow your guests every time you make this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a comforting next-day dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to save portions for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain that delightful crispy crust. If using a microwave, cover loosely to keep moisture in, though the crust may soften with this method.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Swiss provide a wonderful balance, feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just keep the total cheese quantity similar so your sauce has the perfect creaminess.
What can I substitute for half and half?
If you don’t have half and half, whole milk works great too. Using milk will make the sauce slightly lighter; for extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or butter.
Is it necessary to use Cheez-Its specifically for the crust?
While the signature cheesy crunch comes from Cheez-It crackers, you can try other cheese-flavored crackers or breadcrumbs for a different texture and flavor, though the classic Cheez-It crust truly makes this recipe special.
How spicy is the hot sauce in the recipe?
The hot sauce adds just a subtle kick to elevate the cheese flavors without overpowering them. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, make sure to use gluten-free crackers for the crust to keep it safe for gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe brings something exhilarating to the table with its creamy inside and crunchy cheesy topping that keeps you coming back for more. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests, too. Give it a try, and it might just become the comfort food you never want to live without.
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 a crispy Cheez-It cracker crust combines creamy sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese sauce with a crunchy, buttery topping. A comforting classic elevated with a cheesy, flavorful crust that adds texture and a delicious twist to your regular mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 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 Topping
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Shred the Cheese: While the noodles cook, shred the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Set aside the majority for the sauce and reserve some cheddar for the topping.
- Make the Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and melt completely. Whisk in ¼ cup flour until well combined to form a roux. Season the roux with 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and 3-4 dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add the Dairy: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in 3 cups half and half, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
- Melt the Cheese into the Sauce: Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping) and all the shredded Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully into a smooth, creamy sauce. Remove from heat once melted.
- Combine Noodles and Cheese Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Cheez-It Crust: Crush 2 cups Cheez-It crackers into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin inside a large zip-top bag or by pulsing briefly in a food processor.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Mix the melted butter with the crushed Cheez-It crumbs and the reserved ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It topping mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier crust, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for half and half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
- Using sharp cheddar and Swiss gives a nice depth of flavor—feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella.
- The Cheez-It crust adds a salty, buttery crunch that makes this mac and cheese extra special.
- Make sure to stir the cheese sauce often to prevent it from burning or clumping.
- To save time, you can prepare the cheese sauce while the pasta cooks.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
