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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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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!
Course Pasta
Servings 6
Calories 325kcal
Author Sara

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 865mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 436mg | Iron: 1mg