Creamy 4 Cheese Brie and Buttery Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese
Try this Creamy 4 Cheese Brie and Buttery Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese recipe
Try this Creamy 4 Cheese Brie and Buttery Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pound elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 3 cups warm milk (i used 2%)
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 1/4 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup fontina cheese (shredded (add an extra 1/4 cup...
- 1 1/4 cups havarti cheese (shredded)
- 4-6 ounces brie (rind removed and chopped (i sure
- Carbohydrate 286.511106633051 g
- Cholesterol 331.1224301 mg
- Fat 10.6711395741026 g
- Fiber 0.334090707607758 g
- Protein 51.5371434893077 g
- Saturated Fat 1.51486342231795 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (498g)
- Sodium 118.323464917949 mg
- Sugar 286.177015925444 g
- Trans Fat 3.46690115240257 g
- Calories 1457 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until al-dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well.
- While the pasta boils add 3 tablespoons butter to a medium skillet and melt. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds then throw in the crushed Ritz crackers and toss to coat.
- Toast the crumbs for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once the crumbs are lightly toasted remove from the heat and set aside.
- In the same pot you boiled the pasta, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let cook/bubble for 1 minute, stirring once or twice to avoid burning.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and raise the heat up to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in all of the cheese, mustard powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
- Stir in the pasta and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle on the toasted cracker crumbs and place the baking dish on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let sit five minutes. Dig in!!
A Housewife's Ode to Mac and Cheese: Creamy, Dreamy, and Effortlessly Delicious
Let me tell you, friends, there are few things in this world that bring me more comfort than a perfectly creamy bowl of mac and cheese. As a busy mom, I’m always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, something that can satisfy my family's cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen. This Creamy 4 Cheese Brie and Buttery Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese recipe has quickly become a staple in our home, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
The magic lies in the blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy bite, the fontina adds a nutty richness, the havarti lends a creamy smoothness, and the brie...oh, the brie! It contributes a luxurious, almost decadent flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level. The buttery Ritz cracker topping provides the perfect crunchy contrast, adding a delightful texture that complements the creamy interior. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters (including my two!).
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn't require any special culinary skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily accessible at your local grocery store. I love the fact that I can whip up a batch of this mac and cheese on a weeknight, and it feels like I’ve created something truly special. It's the kind of dish that makes your family feel loved and nurtured, and honestly, isn't that what home cooking is all about?
Beyond the taste and ease of preparation, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, crackers, or even add in some sautéed vegetables for a healthier twist. I’ve added a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick, but you can easily omit it if you prefer a milder flavor. The possibilities are endless!
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice like myself, I encourage you to give this Creamy 4 Cheese Brie and Buttery Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese a try. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or even just a quiet night in. It's a dish that's as much about the experience of making it as it is about savoring every last bite.
Beyond the Recipe: This mac and cheese isn't just a dish; it's a memory maker. I picture my children, years from now, reminiscing about cozy nights spent around our kitchen table, the aroma of this creamy, cheesy goodness filling the air. It's the kind of food that builds traditions and brings families closer. And isn't that the most rewarding part of cooking?
A Few Tips for Mac and Cheese Mastery:
- Don't overcook your pasta! Al dente is key; the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- Toast your crackers to perfection. Watch them carefully to prevent burning; a light golden brown is ideal.
- Stir constantly when making the cheese sauce. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes for easier serving.
So go ahead, indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you for it. Happy cooking!
