Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Ritz Topping Recipe

Introduction

This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe combines a luscious blend of Havarti, cheddar, fontina, and brie cheeses for rich flavor. Topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any cheesy craving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry shells or elbow macaroni
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Havarti cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 ounces brie cheese (rind removed, cubed)
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In the prepared dish, combine the dry pasta, half of the shredded Havarti, cheddar, and fontina cheeses, the milk, sour cream, ground mustard, cayenne, and 1/3 cup water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
3. Step 3: Push the cubed brie into the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the pasta is baking, prepare the topping by mixing the crushed Ritz crackers with butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl.
5. Step 5: After 25 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the pasta and top with the Ritz cracker mixture.
6. Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the Ritz topping is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with a crunchy topping!

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, swap some cheddar for smoked gouda or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the pasta mixture for extra savory layers.
• Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken up before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and crispy topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi works well to hold the cheesy sauce and topping.

What can I do if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

You can substitute with crushed breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed pretzels for a similar crunchy texture.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Ritz Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food featuring a rich blend of Havarti, cheddar, fontina, and brie cheeses baked to perfection. Topped with a crunchy, flavorful Ritz cracker mixture, it offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures. Perfect for a cozy meal or entertaining guests, this dish combines classic flavors with an irresistible golden crust.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese Mixture

• 1 pound dry shells or elbow macaroni
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Havarti cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cubed

Crunchy Ritz Topping

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and provide a rich base for the mac and cheese.
2. Mix main ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the dry pasta, half of the shredded Havarti, cheddar, and fontina cheeses, milk, sour cream, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and 1/3 cup water. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
3. Add brie cheese: Evenly push the cubed brie into the pasta mixture, ensuring the creamy brie will melt throughout the mac and cheese while baking.
4. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), allowing the pasta to cook and the cheeses to melt and blend.
5. Prepare Ritz cracker topping: While the pasta bakes, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the room temperature butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
6. Apply topping and finish baking: After the initial baking, remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded Havarti, cheddar, and fontina cheeses over the pasta, then sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture on top. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serve hot: Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and serve immediately for a creamy, cheesy delight with a crunchy, savory crust.

Notes

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
• Removing the rind from the brie is essential to avoid a strong, bitter flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute standard macaroni and Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
• Butter the baking dish well to prevent sticking and help develop the crust.
• Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked pasta casserole