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Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Crackers

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Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Crackers is the ultimate comfort food with a creamy, cheesy filling topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a rich sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings.

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

Instructions

  • Cook the macaroni:
    Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  • Make the cheese sauce:
    In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, kosher salt, and ground mustard to form a roux. Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Add shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.

  • Combine macaroni and cheese sauce:
    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Prepare the topping:
    Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

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

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

  • Serve:
    Let the baked mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Spicy mac and cheese: Spice it up with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños in the cheese sauce.

Cheese variation: Experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Vegetarian option: Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/best-southern-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-ritz-crackers/