DINNER

Baked Mac Cheese with Cheez-It Crust: A Comforting Delight

by basmer

26 de February de 2026

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Baked Mac Cheese with Cheez-It Crust is a delightful and comforting twist on the classic baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe combines creamy sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy, savory Cheez-It topping, creating a dish that is bursting with cheesy flavor and perfect for any occasion. The moment it comes out of the oven, the golden crust and inviting aroma will have your family and friends gathering around the table. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac Cheese with

This Baked Mac Cheese with is not just any ordinary casserole; it’s a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to your meal times. Here are a few reasons to love it:

It’s a comforting dish that evokes nostalgia, reminding you of family gatherings and cozy nights in.
The combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that is utterly indulgent.
Baking it with a Cheez-It crust adds a fun and crunchy twist to the traditional recipe.
This dish can easily serve a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
It’s a versatile recipe; you can add different vegetables or proteins to customize it to your taste.
It’s a simple and easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe that requires minimal prep time.
This cheesy baked macaroni with breadcrumbs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
It has the potential to become your go-to comfort food baked mac and cheese!

Ingredients for Baked Mac Cheese with

Gather these items:

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)
2 cups Cheez-It crackers
¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from above)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

How to Make Baked Mac Cheese with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
Step 2: 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 and set aside.
Step 3: While noodles cook, shred both the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses; set aside.
Step 4: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Then whisk in the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Season the roux with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce. Continue whisking and cooking for another 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 5: Reduce 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, stirring frequently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and all the shredded Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts into a creamy sauce, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 8: Crush the Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zipper bag and using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until finely crushed. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter and combine it with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 9: Sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheese crumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
Step 10: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil on high during the last 2 minutes of baking.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Mac Cheese with

Keep these in mind:

For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses; the best cheese for baked mac and cheese includes Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For added flavor, consider incorporating cooked bacon for a baked mac cheese with bacon variation.
Using half and half instead of milk will create a creamier texture.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Mac Cheese with

This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways:

Pair it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
Serve it as a side dish to grilled meats or as part of a cozy dinner spread.
For a vegetarian option, add steamed broccoli or spinach to the mix for baked mac and cheese with vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Mac Cheese with

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain its creamy texture, making it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Mac Cheese with

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Mac Cheese with?

The secret lies in creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce that perfectly coats the macaroni. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese adds depth to the flavor, while baking it until golden provides that satisfying crunch. This is what makes baked mac and cheese so popular!

Can I make Baked Mac Cheese with ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, ensuring even cooking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Mac Cheese with?

Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it continues to cook in the oven. Ensure your cheese sauce is smooth and well-seasoned for the best flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the Cheez-It topping for that delightful crunch!

Variations of Baked Mac Cheese with You Can Try

There are numerous ways to customize this dish:

Try adding cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.
Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free baked macaroni and cheese option.
For a gourmet touch, use truffle oil or fancy cheeses to elevate the dish.
Experiment with different veggies like bell peppers, peas, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes section!

Baked Mac Cheese with Cheez-It Crust: A Comforting Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust combines creamy sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese sauce with a crunchy, savory Cheez-It topping. It’s a comforting twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, baked to golden perfection and bursting with cheesy flavor and a crispy crust.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
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 and set aside.
While noodles cook, shred both the sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses; set aside.
Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Then whisk in the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Season the roux with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and hot sauce. Continue whisking and cooking for another 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
Reduce 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, stirring frequently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and all the shredded Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts into a creamy sauce, then remove from heat.
Add the cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Crush the Cheez-It crackers by placing them in a large zipper bag and using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until finely crushed. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter and combine it with the crushed Cheez-It crackers and the reserved ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the Cheez-It and cheese crumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil on high during the last 2 minutes of baking.