Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

Hey y’all! If you’re craving the kind of creamy, cheesy comfort food that gets everyone coming back for seconds, this Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping is your dream dish. It’s luscious, gooey, and crowned with a golden, buttery crunch that takes mac and cheese to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a potluck, or just need a serious weeknight pick-me-up, this recipe is always a hit. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

• Creamy, rich cheese sauce hugs every bite of tender pasta.
• The buttery cracker topping adds irresistible crunch and flavor.
• Super simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses and add-ins.

Ingredients for Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus 2 tablespoon for topping)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers (e.g., Ritz), crushed
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions: How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions, typically 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

6. Combine the drained macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until all pasta is coated.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoon butter. In a medium bowl, toss the crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips

• For an ultra-creamy texture, don’t overbake—remove from the oven as soon as the edges bubble. Learn more about perfect baked mac and cheese techniques.
• Shred your own cheese for best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack.

Variations on Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or stir in diced jalapenos.
• Bacon Lover’s: Mix in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
• Veggie-Packed: Add 1 cup steamed broccoli florets or roasted cauliflower to the pasta.

Required Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Oven mitts

Storage Instructions

• Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.
• For longer storage, freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

• Serve as a hearty main with a crisp green salad and roasted veggies.
• Great alongside BBQ, fried chicken, or holiday ham.
• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sweet iced tea for a true comfort food feast.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

• Undercook the pasta slightly; it’ll finish cooking while baking and soak up more cheesy goodness. Find more pasta tips at Bon Appétit.
• For extra-crisp topping, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.
• Let the mac and cheese rest before serving to help the sauce set and flavors meld. For info on cheese sauce stability, check The Kitchn.

FAQ: Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

Can I make this baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (except the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking.

Can I substitute a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Use shells, cavatappi, penne, or any pasta shape you love, but keep the cooking time in mind.

What’s the best cheese blend for this recipe?

A combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives great melt and flavor, but feel free to mix in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby for variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

★★★★★ 4.30 from 87 ratings

Baked Mac and Cheese with Buttery Cracker Topping

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 30 mins

total: 50 mins

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust. Perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 2
   Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. 5
   Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. 6
   Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the crushed buttery crackers. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
7. 7
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 520 caloriescal

Protein: 19gg

Fat: 28gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 48gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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