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Cozy Southern Baked Four-Cheese Macaroni Recipe with Crispy Ritz Topping Perfect for Family Dinners

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A warm, comforting Southern baked macaroni and cheese featuring a blend of four cheeses and a crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour. Keep whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk and ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often until it thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Lower the heat to low and slowly add 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every noodle.
  7. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter and toss with 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping over the surface.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better melt and flavor. Swapping half the butter for olive oil works well for a lighter option. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, four-cheese macaroni, Southern comfort food, Ritz cracker topping, family dinner, creamy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-southern-baked-four-cheese-macaroni-recipe-with-crispy-ritz-topping-perfect-for-family-dinners/