Ultimate Comfort Food Mac and Cheese with Crispy Ritz Topping

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about mac and cheese, isn’t there? Growing up in Monterey, evenings often meant gathering around Nonna Rosa’s large wooden table, the air fragrant with garlic and fresh herbs, and a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness making its way from the oven. One version that has always brought a delightful twist to our family table is Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping. That golden, buttery, slightly salty crunch on top? It’s pure comfort, a perfect marriage of creamy and crisp that takes this humble dish from everyday to unforgettable. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, a loving nod to my roots and those treasured kitchen moments with my mother and grandmother.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping

Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just a little indulgent—without being fussy. The Ritz crackers add a unique buttery crunch that’s different from the usual breadcrumb topping, a trick I picked up during my travels through Spain, where simple ingredients often shine the brightest. This dish is approachable for busy home cooks but still carries that homemade heart and soul that Nonna Rosa would be proud of.

What I love most about this recipe is how it bridges generations. I remember teaching my daughters, Olivia and Isabella, how to crumble the Ritz crackers just right, their little hands eager to help while I stirred the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a recipe that invites sharing—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering where everyone asks for seconds. Plus, it’s adaptable; you can use whatever cheese blend you love, add a hint of spice, or sneak in some greens to keep things balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite small pasta shape)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (for a nutty depth)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed finely
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)

Substitution tip: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs work well, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (serves 6)
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 650mg

These numbers will vary depending on your cheese choices and portion size, but this breakdown gives you a realistic idea of the hearty, satisfying nature of this dish. It’s comfort food at its finest, best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

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Steps to Create Your Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This step is crucial to avoid a floury taste—think of it as the foundation Nonna Rosa always emphasized for a silky sauce.
4. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and whisking for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. The mustard is a secret weapon I learned from Elena—it brightens the cheese flavor beautifully.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the drained macaroni until all pasta is coated evenly.
7. Pour the mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this crumbly, buttery topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
10. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly—patience here makes all the difference, as I’ve learned from years of family dinners.

Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping

One thing my mother, Elena, always reminded me was to keep an eye on the sauce’s texture. If it gets too thick before adding the pasta, thin it out with a splash more milk. Similarly, don’t rush the roux stage; that gentle cooking builds the flavor and smoothness. Learn more: Savor the Ultimate Comfort: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

When crushing the Ritz crackers, I like to place them in a resealable bag and gently crush with a rolling pin. This way, you get a perfect mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces for texture. It’s a little ritual my daughters now adore helping with, giggling as the crumbs scatter.

If you want to add a touch of green, stir in a handful of finely chopped spinach or kale just before baking—it’s a subtle way to sneak in some veggies without losing the classic creamy feel.

Finally, for an extra touch of indulgence, try mixing a little grated Parmesan into the cracker topping. It adds a savory depth that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening in Monterey.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping is a star on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, make excellent companions. On special occasions, grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon bring protein and elegance to the table.

One summer, after a long morning at the Monterey farmers’ market, I came home with an armful of fresh tomatoes and basil. We whipped up a quick tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice that paired beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese. These little memories of fresh, local ingredients remind me why I cherish this dish—it’s comfort food that celebrates both tradition and seasonality.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping are just as delightful the next day, although the topping loses a bit of its crispness. To store, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

When reheating, I recommend placing the mac and cheese in a baking dish and warming it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This helps revive some of the topping’s crunch and heats the dish evenly without drying it out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring gently between to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping?

The main ingredients for Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping?

The total time to make Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping ahead of time?

Yes, Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping?

Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

Mac and Cheese with Ritz Topping feels like a delicious thread weaving together my family’s past and present. It’s a dish that honors the lessons I learned in my grandmother’s kitchen, the improvisations my mother made on busy nights, and the joy of sharing meals with my girls in our cozy Monterey cottage. This recipe isn’t just about cheese and pasta—it’s about creating moments, passing down traditions, and savoring the simple pleasures of home cooking.

“Cooking is love made visible,” Nonna Rosa used to say as she stirred a pot with worn hands. This mac and cheese, with its crunchy Ritz topping, is my way of sharing that love with you.