Are you craving a dish that's both comforting and delicious? Look no further than this baked macaroni and cheese recipe, elevated with a crispy Ritz cracker topping. This isn't your average mac and cheese; we're talking creamy, cheesy perfection baked to golden-brown perfection and topped with the irresistible crunch of Ritz crackers. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or substitute with more cheddar)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. This creates the creamy heart of our delicious dish.
Assembling and Baking:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The Ritz cracker topping will add a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve. This healthy meal is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese sauce.
- If you don't have Gruyère cheese, you can use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Fontina.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of crackers. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips can also make for a great topping.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is around 400-450 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This baked macaroni and cheese with Ritz crackers recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the best of comfort food. Enjoy!