Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Crackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe takes comfort food to the next level. The creamy cheese sauce, made with a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese, is rich and flavorful, while the macaroni holds it all together perfectly. The addition of the Ritz cracker topping gives it that irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and velvety cheese filling. It’s a dish that’s sure to be the star of any meal, satisfying both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients:

• 16 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 5 cups whole milk
• 6 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs (about 40 crackers)
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni:

• Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook the macaroni as it will continue to cook in the oven.

2. Make the cheese sauce:

• In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour, kosher salt, and ground mustard, and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux.
• Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until the macaroni is fully coated with the creamy cheese mixture. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Prepare the topping:

• In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or using a food processor.
• In a small bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated.

5. Assemble the casserole:

• Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

6. Bake the mac and cheese:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve:

• Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with a spoonful of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings and takes about 15 minutes of prep time, with 30-35 minutes of total cook time.

Variations

• Spicy mac and cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
• Different cheese blends: While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian: You can also make a vegetarian version by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the dish before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne, shells, or rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente before adding it to the cheese sauce.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

3. Can I use low-fat milk or cheese?

While you can use low-fat milk and cheese, the mac and cheese may not be as creamy or rich as when using whole milk and full-fat cheese. For the best results, stick with the full-fat options.

4. Can I use a different cracker for the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute them with other buttery crackers like Saltines, Club crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni and gluten-free crackers for the topping.

6. How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being too dry?

Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s just al dente and coat it well with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little extra milk or cream to loosen it up before baking.

7. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes or until warmed through.

8. Can I make the topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Ritz cracker topping in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble and bake the mac and cheese.

9. Can I add vegetables to the mac and cheese?

Yes, vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the macaroni before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. Is there a way to make this mac and cheese spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika into the cheese sauce or add finely chopped jalapeños to the mix. You can also top the dish with hot sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Crackers is a crowd-pleasing comfort food dish that delivers both rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. The creamy, flavorful cheese sauce, combined with the buttery Ritz cracker topping, makes this mac and cheese a memorable addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more!

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