If you are craving a comfort food classic with a unique, irresistible twist, look no further than this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe. Creamy, cheesy macaroni noodles topped with a crunchy, buttery Cheez-It cracker crust create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that feels both nostalgic and new. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests with something a little unexpected yet utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of richness, creaminess, and that perfect crispy topping. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create a dish that feels indulgent but approachable.
- 16 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly for maximum cheesiness.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a bold, tangy flavor that’s essential for vibrant cheese sauce.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (shredded): Brings a smooth, nutty richness that balances the sharp cheddar.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Provides creaminess and helps create both the roux and the buttery Cheez-It crust.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch): Used to make the roux that thickens the cheese sauce to perfection.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors in this dish without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: A sneaky ingredient that boosts the cheese flavor and adds complexity.
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper): Gives the sauce a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
- 3 cups half and half (or whole milk): Creates the creamy base of the cheese sauce.
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers: The star of the crust, crushed for a crispy, cheesy topping that’s pure magic.
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 so it’s perfectly hot when your dish is ready to bake. Then, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Once tender but still firm, drain and set them aside. This step ensures you have a solid pasta base that won’t get mushy in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Mise en Place
While the pasta is cooking, shred your sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Measuring out your ingredients now keeps the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on making that luscious cheese sauce without scrambling for last-minute ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Flavor Base
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of the butter. Quickly whisk in the flour to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully. Add the salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce, then keep whisking for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is essential because it allows the spices to bloom and develop deep flavors that will shine through in the final dish.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dairy and Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low and very slowly pour in the half and half, whisking constantly so your roux blends smoothly with the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to activate the thickening power. Next, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar and all the Swiss cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until everything melts into one creamy, dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Transfer to Baking Dish
Take the sauce off the heat and fold in the cooked macaroni noodles until they’re all luxuriously coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This sets the stage for the star topping of the Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheez-It Crust
Crush 2 cups of Cheez-It crackers finely by placing them in a large resealable bag and rolling over with a rolling pin or pulsing briefly in a food processor. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter and combine it with the crushed crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. This buttery, cheesy crumb mixture will give your mac and cheese an addictively crispy and cheesy finish.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It topping over your pasta. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. If you love an extra crisp topping, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes—but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. Now you’re ready to enjoy all the gooey, crunchy goodness of this exciting twist on a classic.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish’s presentation and add freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. A drizzle of extra hot sauce or a dusting of smoked paprika can enhance both the color and flavor, ramping up the visual appeal and excitement with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, creamy main course. For heartier meals, serve alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak to complement the cheesy decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing feast, bake individual portions in small ramekins topped with their own Cheez-It crust for personalized servings. Alternatively, turn the leftovers into crispy mac and cheese bites by baking until firm, cutting into squares, and lightly frying or air frying them until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe? No problem! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When refrigerated, the flavors meld even more deeply, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it before baking in a foil pan or freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process and allowing the crust to crisp up nicely.
Reheating
To reheat your mac and cheese, warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through to preserve its creamy texture and crispy topping. Microwaving works too but risks making the crust soggy, so use that only for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Swiss create the classic flavor balance, you can mix in gouda, mozzarella, or fontina for a different twist. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well and complement each other.
What if I don’t have Cheez-It crackers? Can I substitute?
You can substitute with other cheese-flavored crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs, but the distinct sharp, buttery crunch of Cheez-Its really makes this recipe special. Plain crackers won’t deliver the same punch.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe includes just a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne to add subtle warmth without overpowering the cheese. Feel free to omit or increase the heat depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, the Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe freezes well if done before baking. Reheat slowly in the oven for the best texture and flavor. Microwaving works but isn’t as ideal for maintaining crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can! Use gluten-free pasta, substitute the usual flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and choose gluten-free Cheez-It alternatives. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table all at once. The creamy cheese sauce paired with the crunchy, cheesy topping creates an irresistible experience that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to favorite for your family and friends. So grab that box of Cheez-Its and dive into this deliciously fun twist on a classic!
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 delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish topped with a crispy and flavorful Cheez-It breadcrumb crust. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses in a creamy roux-based sauce, this comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection, offering a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Mac 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)
Cheez-It Crust
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for crust)
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from mac and cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese with the Cheez-It crust.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Shred the Cheese: While the noodles are boiling, shred the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set aside for the cheese sauce and topping.
- Make the Roux: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and melt it. Stir in ¼ cup flour and whisk to form a roux. Season 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 flavor.
- Add Half and Half: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the 3 cups of half and half, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and all of the Swiss cheese. Stir consistently until all cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat once the cheese is melted. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated with the cheese sauce. Transfer the 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 crushing with a rolling pin or pulsing in a food processor until crumbly but not powdery.
- Melt Butter for Crust: In a medium bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter and combine it with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Top Mac and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It crust mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Optional Broil for Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for half and half for a lighter sauce, but the mac and cheese will be less creamy.
- Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free macaroni if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Adjust the hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Be careful when broiling to avoid burning the Cheez-It crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- For a stronger cheese flavor, consider adding a bit of Parmesan to the sauce or topping.
