If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to adore this Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top with a crunchy cracker crust that takes classic macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. This dish brings together simple pantry staples in a way that delivers bold flavor, a velvety sauce, and that nostalgic cheesy goodness everyone loves. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or craving a hearty side, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, and none require fancy shopping. With these basics, you’ll build layers of flavor and that irresistible golden top that makes this dish so special.
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni pasta: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully for every gooey bite.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Adds rich creaminess and a silky base for the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent to give your sauce the perfect velvety texture.
- 1 cup milk: The creamy liquid that blends the flavors and creates the luscious cheese sauce.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances every other flavor and balances the richness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle punch of warmth and depth.
- ¼ tsp dry mustard: A secret ingredient that brings a gentle tang and sharpness, elevating the cheese flavor.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Infuses a mild savory note without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami and a touch of complexity that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the dish, delivering creamy, melty, cheesy goodness.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: The crunchy topping that bakes golden and adds a buttery, crisp contrast.
How to Make Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF and lightly spraying an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your macaroni and cheese won’t stick and helps crisp up the cracker topping when baked. Having everything ready upfront makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—a little firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain it well to avoid a watery sauce later. Setting it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce is key. The pasta will soak up the sauce once mixed, so the right texture is essential.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps and continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a rich sauce consistency. Stir in the salt, pepper, dry mustard, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of your Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, so take your time here—good sauce makes all the difference!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, stir in the cooked elbow macaroni to coat every piece thoroughly. Transfer this luscious, cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish. The pasta should be evenly covered by the cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping and Bake
Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. The crackers will crisp up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, giving a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. Bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy. Let it cool just slightly before serving to let the cheese set wonderfully.
How to Serve Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing your Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. A light sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky contrast, while a drizzle of truffle oil can transform this humble dish into something truly decadent.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh, bright sides like a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. The richness of the macaroni and cheese calls for something refreshing alongside it, so don’t hesitate to add a tangy vinaigrette or lemony greens to balance out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins personalized with different toppings—maybe a handful of cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or a handful of crispy fried shallots. These variations add exciting textures and flavors that make this classic dish feel new every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that wonderful creamy texture, avoid overcooking the reheated portions. The leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed. Transfer the baked macaroni and cheese to a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to prevent watery sauce and maintain the creamy, golden texture you love.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350ºF until heated through and the cracker topping regains a bit of its crispness—about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is possible but the topping won’t stay as crisp. Adding a few fresh crushed crackers before reheating can help bring back some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, feel free to mix in gouda, gruyère, or mozzarella for unique flavors. Just keep the melting properties in mind to maintain that creamy texture.
What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect because of its shape, but you can also use other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini to trap the cheese sauce well.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and crackers. The result will be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk, and swap cheddar cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. The cracker topping can be replaced with gluten-free or vegan options as well.
How do I get a crispier topping?
Use freshly crushed Ritz crackers mixed with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top. Press gently to adhere, then bake until golden. Broiling for a minute or two at the end can add extra crunch, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s simple to whip up yet delivers flavors worthy of special occasions. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with that perfect golden crunch, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around any table. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this timeless classic in your recipe box!
Print
Golden Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Golden Macaroni and Cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni baked to perfection with a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- Crushed Ritz crackers (amount: approximately ½ to ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce. Add salt, black pepper, dry mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until all pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy a perfect melt-in-your-mouth creamy and crispy macaroni and cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchier cheese texture.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more milk before baking.
- For an extra crunchy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to pasta and flour but can be adapted using gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
