Cheez-It Mac and Cheese Recipe

Go ahead, sprinkle some Cheez-Its on your mac and cheese. Before your inner kid throws a texture tantrum. It's amazing what can happen when you pair two unexpected but perfect ingredients, like bacon and chocolate chips. Or real sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy, wonderfully not real cheddar cheese.

Yes, Cheez-Its make up the breadcrumb crust for this baked macaroni and cheese recipe. The crunchy texture and ample cheesiness works so well you'll wonder why you haven't been crumbling those little devils over your macaroni for decades. Plus, if you have kids, they'll think you're a superhero.

If you really, really want your kids thinking you're a superhero: How To Make Chicken Tenders

Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 box elbow macaroni
3/4 stick butter
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups Cheez-Its, crushed
salt and pepper, to taste
chopped chives, to garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Boil macaroni until it's tender.
3. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add a splash of cream. Add a handful of cheese and stir until combined. Add another splash of cream and stir again, add more cheese and stir again. Repeat this process until you only have a little cheese left (reserve that to sprinkle on top).
4. Return macaroni to pot, pour cheese sauce on top and stir. Pour into an oven-safe pan or casserole dish. Stir in some crushed Cheez-Its and salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese and Cheez-Its on top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until Cheez-Its are lightly toasted on top. Serve with a chive garnish.

Level of Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

More awesome mac and cheese recipes on Food Republic:

• Macaroni and Brie With Crab
  
• Mac and Cheese with Soubise
  
• Truffle Baked Macaroni and Cheese