Creamy Old Fashioned Oven Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Cracker Topping

Creamy, rich, and topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs--this old-fashioned-style oven-baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a homemade three-cheese sauce featuring white, sharp, and mild cheddar cheeses, every bite is smooth, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It's the perfect side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks, Sunday suppers, or anytime you're craving classic homemade macaroni and cheese.

  

Every family seems to have one dish that simply isn't negotiable at holiday dinners, and this baked mac and cheese has earned that spot in ours. It shows up alongside the ham at Easter, the turkey at Thanksgiving, and plenty of Sunday suppers in between. Watching everyone go back for seconds—and hearing someone ask if there are leftovers before dinner is even over—is how I know this recipe is always a winner.

 

This is the kind of homemade mac and cheese recipe that finds its way onto the menu for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, and every occasion in between.

 

Why You'll Love This Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

 

This homemade baked mac and cheese delivers everything you want in a classic comfort food recipe.

• It has an extra creamy homemade cheese sauce
• It uses a crispy, comfort-food, buttery Ritz cracker topping
• It's perfect for holidays, potlucks and carry-ins, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings
• It's easy to make ahead and is freezer-friendly

The mix of white, sharp, and mild cheddar makes a very balanced cheese sauce that melts beautifully. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crisp finish that keeps everyone coming back for another helping (or two).

 

What Makes This the Best Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese?

 

The secret is the homemade cheese sauce. A simple butter-and-flour roux forms the base, then warm whole milk and heavy cream are whisked in until smooth and creamy. Freshly shredded cheddar melts into the sauce one handful at a time, creating a silky texture that coats every piece of pasta.

 

Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, buttery Ritz crackers are tossed with melted butter before baking, creating a golden topping with just the right amount of crunch. That combination of creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping is what makes this recipe a family favorite.

 

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

 

For the Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt for the pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. White Pepper
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese

Save about 1/3 cup of each shredded cheddar cheese for sprinkling over the top before baking, if desired.

 

Ritz Cracker Crumb Topping

• 1 full sleeve crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 stick melted butter

Ingredient Notes

 

Traditional elbow macaroni is the classic choice because it holds onto the creamy cheese sauce so well. Shells or cavatappi are great alternatives if you prefer.

 

White cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich, smooth flavor. Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its bold, classic cheddar flavor. Mild cheddar balances the sharper cheese while adding extra creaminess.

 

Using both whole milk and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety cheese sauce that stays creamy after baking.

 

Buttery Ritz crackers create a crispy topping with far more flavor than plain breadcrumbs.

 

How to Make Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

 

Step 1: Prepare for Baking and Cook the Pasta

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

 

Bring a large pot of water and salt to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well without rinsing.

 

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

 

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper, and cook for around 2 minutes.  Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and heavy cream until completely smooth. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens.

 

Reduce the heat to low.

 

Add the shredded cheeses to the roux one handful at a time, stirring each addition until completely melted before adding more.

 

Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese Dish

 

Mix the cooked macaroni into the prepared cheese sauce. Be sure to coat evenly.

 

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.

 

Step 4: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

 

Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.

 

Sprinkle over the macaroni.

 

Step 5: Bake

 

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

 

Top the mac and cheese with reserved cheese and return to oven until just melted.

 

Tips for Making the Best Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

• Shred cheese directly from a block for the smoothest sauce.
• Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the roux.
• Cook the pasta not quite al dente.
• Add the cheese over low heat to keep the sauce silky.
• For a darker golden topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes while watching carefully.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens.
• Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cheese sauce.

 

Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese Variations

• Add Bacon. Stir cooked, crumbled bacon into the macaroni before baking.
• Make It Spicy. Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add More Cheese. Sprinkle a little shredded Parmesan or some Gruyère cheese over the top before adding the cracker topping.
• Make It a Meal. Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham for an easy all-in-one dinner.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the macaroni and cheese up to one day in advance.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Wait to add the Ritz cracker topping until just before baking, so it stays crisp.
• If baking cold from the refrigerator, you will need to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

 

Freezing

Freeze before baking without the cracker topping for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the buttered Ritz cracker topping, and bake as directed.

 

Reheating

Microwave individual servings, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

To reheat larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why is my baked macaroni and cheese grainy?

Overheating the cheese or using pre-shredded cheese can create a grainy sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts much more smoothly.

 

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything except the Ritz cracker topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

 

What cheese is my favorite for baked mac and cheese?

White cheddar, sharp cheddar, and mild cheddar create the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and meltability.

 

Can I substitute breadcrumbs?

Yes, but buttery Ritz crackers give this recipe its signature crispy topping and richer flavor.

 

Why should I undercook the pasta?

The pasta finishes cooking while baking. Cooking it just shy of al dente prevents it from becoming too soft.

 

Serving Suggestions

This creamy oven-baked mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:

• BBQ ribs, pulled pork, meatloaf, fried chicken, ham, brisket, pot roast--really any Sunday dinner main dish meat!
• Fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, green beans

This recipe is also one of our most-requested side dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, family reunions, neighborhood potlucks, and summer cookouts.

 

Why we love this recipe

 

Creamy, cheesy comfort food--topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this old-fashioned oven-baked mac and cheese is the kind of recipe families pass around for years. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner, special enough for holiday gatherings, and dependable enough to hold a spot in your recipe rotation.

 

Serve it with your favorite holiday meal, bring it to your next potluck, or make it for a cozy Sunday dinner at home. However it lands on your table, this creamy baked mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Creamy Old-Fashioned Oven Baked Mac and Cheese with Ritz Cracker Topping

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 8-10 servings | Category: Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese

Ritz Cracker Topping

• 1 full sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted water 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and white pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Slowly whisk in warmed milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook 5-7 minutes until thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheeses one handful at a time until fully melted.
6. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
7. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese:
• Shred cheese from blocks for the smoothest sauce.
• Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the oven.
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
• For make-ahead: Assemble without topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Freeze unbaked (without topping) up to 2 months.