Three Cheese Mac with Cheez-It Herb Crumb Crust

Name: Three Cheese Mac with Cheez-It Herb Crumb Crust
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Salt; 1 pound penne pasta; 1/2 box Cheez-it crackers; 1 bunch fresh chives, chopped; 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 tablespoons grated aged Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup grated fontina cheese; 2 tablespoons crumbled soft goat cheese; 2 cups heavy cream; Freshly ground black pepper

Servings: persons

Salt
1 pound penne pasta
1/2 box Cheez-it crackers
1 bunch fresh chives, chopped
1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons grated aged Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup grated fontina cheese
2 tablespoons crumbled soft goat cheese
2 cups heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper

1
Set the oven to broil.
2
Add the pasta to a pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
3
Pulse the crackers in a food processor to a coarse consistency.
4
Mix with the chives and parsley.
5
Whisk the butter and flour in a medium saucepot over medium-high heat until fully incorporated and bubbly.
6
Add the milk and bring to a simmer, whisking the entire time.
7
Whisk in the cheeses, a little at a time, until thoroughly combined.
8
Add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
9
Strain the pasta and mix with the cheesy sauce.
10
Spoon into oven-safe baking vessels and top with the crumb crust.
11
Place under the broiler until lightly toasted and bubbling, 3 to 5 minutes.
12
Watch carefully so the mac doesn't burn.

1081

kcal

Calories

Fat

101

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Salt, 1 pound penne pasta, 1/2 box Cheez-it crackers, 1 bunch fresh chives, chopped, and more.

Yes, Three Cheese Mac with Cheez-It Herb Crumb Crust falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!