Mac and Cheez-It

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook pasta until it’s barely al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

2. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is lightly toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking between additions until mixture is cohesive. Add garlic, paprika, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. Once the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon, it’s sufficiently thickened.

Step 3

3. Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to incorporate..

Step 4

4. Heat oven to 425 degrees, place a rack in the center of the oven, and place a 13x9 baking dish over a sheet pan.

Step 5

5. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter and combine Cheez-It® Crackers, melted butter and parmesan, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Step 6

6. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to prepared dish and scatter Cheez-It® cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake on the center rack until macaroni and cheese is bubbling and bread crumbs are toasty, 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 7

7. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with chives and enjoy.