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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping

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A comforting and easy baked mac and cheese recipe topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust that adds a golden crunch to creamy, cheesy noodles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Approximately 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups of warmed whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  6. Crush about 2 cups of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and garlic powder (if using). Toss until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle the Ritz crumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch, watching closely.
  8. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use warmed milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky sauce. Watch baking time to avoid burning the topping; cover with foil if browning too fast. Crushing Ritz crackers by hand gives a chunkier, better texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and crackers. For vegan, substitute dairy-free milk and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, Ritz topping, comfort food, crispy topping, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-ritz-topping-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-comfort-food/