Ritz Cracker Macaroni and Cheese - This is some of the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese you will ever taste. I love the crunch of Ritz crackers on top!
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Let me preface this post by saying. . .just because I'm posting a comfort food recipe does NOT mean I'm okay with summer coming to an end. Because. . .I'm not. I try to hang on to summer as long as possible. Heck, I may just get crazy and post a popsicle recipe yet this month. Just watch me. 🙂
The truth of the matter is. . .I love comfort food. From crockpot recipes and soups to classic potluck recipes and more, comfort food is my favorite food. . .ever. And it's difficult for me NOT to eat it year round.
This fall and winter, this blog is going to be oozing comfort food recipes, so get ready! I know you love them, too! We're just getting our feet wet today with this Ritz Cracker Macaroni and Cheese.
This mac and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy and delicious. If you're a dairy fan like I am. . .keep reading.
There's milk, cheese and. . .more cheese. Because that's the way we do it here in Wisconsin. And just to "up" the deliciousness factor, let's crumble a bunch of buttery Ritz crackers on top. Yes, let's.
The magic happens when all of these ingredients start melting together. The noodles soak up the milk and the butter and the cheese envelopes it all.
When the crackers are browned and the cheese is melted, this mouth-watering noodle bake is ready to eat. It's absolutely the best when eaten while it's still steaming. . .straight out of the oven. Don't let that macaroni and cheese get cold! You'll be sorry.
Just dig right in. You'll be glad you did! Enjoy!
Ritz Cracker Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups measured dry slightly undercooked elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 8 ounces Velveeta (cubed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 10-12 Ritz crackers (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
- Add Velveeta and cook until melted.
- Add noodles, stir until coated.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8x8 pan or 1 ½ quart baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix the melted butter with the crumbled crackers.
- Sprinkle cracker mix over noodles.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until shredded cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- Texture of Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni slightly under the recommended time on the package. This prevents the macaroni from becoming too soft or mushy when baked in the cheese sauce. The slightly undercooked macaroni will continue to cook in the oven, achieving the perfect al dente texture in the finished dish.
- Creating a Smooth Cheese Sauce: When whisking the melted butter and flour together to create a roux, ensure that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps before adding the milk. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent it from clumping. Cooking the sauce over low to medium heat allows the Velveeta to melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy and velvety texture.
- Cracker Topping: For a crunchy and flavorful topping, mix the melted butter with the crumbled Ritz crackers before sprinkling over the macaroni and cheese. This creates a golden and crispy crust on top of the dish when baked. Ensure the cracker mixture is evenly distributed over the noodles to achieve uniform crunchiness throughout the dish.
Christina
This is my go to recipe when wanting Mac n cheese. The only thing I did a little different was put half noodles down and put cheese and ritz crackers down then more noodle mixture and top with cheese and ritcrackers. Gives a little crunch in the middle.
Christina
This is the most delicious mac and cheese I have ever made and it is so simple to make.
Josh
Have you ever added ground beef to this recipe?
Sara
I haven't, but that sounds like it could be a good addition. Let me know if you try it!
viewer
hi i was wondering if i can use the velveeta shredded cheese instead of the cubed cheese
Sara
Potentially, yes, but I'm not sure it will melt the same. I've never tried it with shredded cheese.
Vitoria
How many people does this serve, I would like to make it for friendsgiving????????/
Sara
I would say about 4 adults!
tyler
I love it
Nichole
I just made this today for the family, and they loved it. I think that this will be my go to recipe for now on. My family really like how creamy it was, followed by the crunch topping. Thanks again!
Sara
I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Nichole!! Thanks for taking the time to comment! More comfort dishes coming this fall!
Christina
This is my go to recipe when wanting Mac n cheese. The only thing I did a little different was put half noodles down and put cheese and ritz crackers down then more noodle mixture and top with cheese and ritcrackers. Gives a little crunch in the middle.