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
Scale
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.
