If you love cozy comfort food with a fun, crunchy twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese. Imagine creamy, sharp cheddar melting into tender elbow macaroni, all topped with a golden, buttery crust made from finely crushed Cheez-It crackers that add an irresistible crispy texture and a burst of cheesy flavor. This dish perfectly balances velvety gooeyness with a satisfying crunch, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a little extra indulgence in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese. Each component plays a vital role: from the creamy cheddar providing richness, to the Dijon mustard adding a subtle zing, and of course, the Cheez-It crackers delivering that signature crunch you’ll dream about.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For a robust, tangy cheese flavor that melts luxuriously.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy base of the cheese sauce, keeping it smooth and luscious.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build the roux for thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works with butter to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Boosts the cheese flavor with a gentle tang, balancing the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory note that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 cups finely crushed Cheez-It crackers: The star topping that gives this dish its unique, crunchy character.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty touch to the crust for extra flavor layers.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps bind the cracker topping and ensures a crispy, golden finish.
How to Make Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. This means tender but with a slight bite—just right to hold up under the creamy sauce without turning mushy when baked.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
Next, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux and cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, letting the mixture thicken into a creamy sauce. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until you have a silky, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring well to blend all those beautiful savory notes together. This seasoning layer takes the sauce from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it a subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Now, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is generously coated. This mixture is the heart of your dish—rich, creamy, and full of cheese love.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheez It Topping
In a small bowl, mix the finely crushed Cheez-It crackers with the grated Parmesan and olive oil. This mixture will create a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth mac and cheese beneath it.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle the Cheez-It crumb mixture on top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the dish is bubbling with cheesy goodness. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets just enough for that perfect creamy bite.
How to Serve Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of truffle oil can also add a luxurious touch, making this comfort food truly special.
Side Dishes
This Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or party, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with the crispy crust. You could also turn this into a casserole bar, letting guests add extra toppings such as cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This meal reheats beautifully while maintaining its creamy texture and crispy topping if warmed carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked mac and cheese casserole in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps up again. Alternatively, use a microwave for quicker reheating, but you may lose some crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of sharp cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey jack for a creamier or more mild variation. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best consistency.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cheese sauce. For the topping, gluten-free crackers similar to Cheez-Its work great.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the dairy cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Vegan butter and flour can be used to make the roux, and consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the mac and cheese completely and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
How spicy is the Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese?
The original recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy Cheez-It varieties to give it a lovely kick without overpowering the classic cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort foods because it hits every note perfectly—rich, cheesy, creamy, and topped with that unforgettable crispy Cheez-It crust. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share it with your loved ones; once you do, I bet it will become a staple in your kitchen as well!
Print
Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheez It Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish featuring a creamy cheddar cheese sauce mixed with elbow macaroni and topped with a crunchy, savory Cheez-It cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, this family-friendly recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Macaroni & Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups finely crushed Cheez-It crackers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated and evenly mixed.
- Prepare the baking dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make and add topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Cheez-It crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to set the flavors and avoid burns.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or stir in cooked bacon bits before baking.
- Substitute different Cheez-It flavors like white cheddar or spicy jalapeño for varied taste and spice levels.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier texture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
