Creamy Velveeta Mac and Cheese Casserole with Ritz Topping
Rich comfort food casserole featuring tender macaroni in a velvety cheese sauce made with Velveeta, cheddar, and half-and-half, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave ultimate cheesy indulgence. The combination of Velveeta's smoothness with sharp cheddar creates an exceptionally creamy base, while the crackers add satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni noodles
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushedpanko breadcrumbssamegluten-free option availableadds gluten
less buttery crunch
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions
- 2
Drain and return pasta to pot
- 3
Add Velveeta cheese to pasta over medium-low heat and mix until mostly melted
- 4
Add butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and half and half to noodles
- 5
Mix until everything is melted and creamy
- 6
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 7
Prepare baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
- 8
Add macaroni mixture to prepared baking dish
- 9
Top casserole with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- 10
Add crushed Ritz crackers on top
- 11
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is warm throughout
Tips
Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and avoid lumps in your sauce
Save some pasta water before draining - add a splash if the cheese mixture becomes too thick
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time
Serve hot from oven while cheese is still melted and creamy
Common Mistakes
Keep heat at medium-low when melting cheese to avoid breaking the sauce
Do not overbake or the top will become too brown and edges will dry out
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini works well. Use the same amount and cook according to package directions.
What if I do not have Velveeta cheese?
Substitute with 8 oz cream cheese or American cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole casserole in 300-degree oven.