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Mac and Cheese with Ritz Cracker Topping

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5 from 1 review

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 6 oz Fontina cheese, shredded
  • 1 to 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 2 cups)
  • 4–6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 1x

Ingredients

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (a minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Stir in Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  3. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Pour mixture into a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish.
  4. Make Ritz Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Serve: Let sit 5 minutes before serving for the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy!

  • Author: Jordan Hanger
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 550