Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort food classic with a fun twist, you’re going to love this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe. It’s everything you want: super creamy, cheesy, baked to bubbly perfection, and topped with a crunchy, salty pretzel crust that adds the perfect pop of flavor and texture. I’ve made this dish a bunch of times for family gatherings and trust me, it disappears fast every time. Stick with me through this post, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you make it as irresistible as mine.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the ingredients right is key for this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe. Each one plays a role to deliver that comforting creaminess with a crunchy finish you’ll want to make again and again. When shopping, look for freshly shredded cheeses — they melt so much better than pre-shredded ones!

• Elbow Macaroni or Shell Pasta: These shapes hold onto sauce perfectly; I prefer elbow macaroni for that nostalgic bite, but shells work beautifully too.
• Butter: Essential for starting your roux, which thickens the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Combines with butter to create a silky base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: Together, they make the sauce rich without being too heavy—creaminess is the star here.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The flavor hero! Sharp cheddar gives the mac and cheese its classic tangy, robust bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice nutty sharpness and depth.
• Velveeta Cheese: It melts seamlessly, keeping the sauce ultra-smooth and creamy—total game changer.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning balance and a little kick.
• Mustard Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: These boost flavor subtly without overpowering the cheese.
• Dijon Mustard: A splash of this adds a lovely sharpness that complements the cheese.
• Pretzels (crushed): The star in the topping—a salty, crunchy surprise that elevates the dish.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch and keeps the topping light and crisp.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: For a touch of color and a hint of herbal freshness.

Tweak to Your Taste

This recipe is definitely a crowd-pleaser, but I love making it my own depending on what’s on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to experiment—you can easily tweak the cheeses or add in extras to suit your mood.

• Variation: I sometimes swap in Gruyère or Fontina for cheddar to get a nuttier, creamier flavor; it’s a hit when I want something a bit fancy.
• Vegetarian Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mix makes it more hearty and slightly healthier.
• Spicy Kick: Throw in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like it with a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta, swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend, and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the crunchy topping safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Get the Pasta Just Right

First thing’s first: boil up your pasta in plenty of salted water. Here’s a tip—cook it just about 3 minutes less than the package says so it’s slightly underdone. This way it won’t get mushy during baking and will hold its shape beautifully.

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Back in your empty pot, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Cook this roux for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and smells slightly nutty—this step is important to avoid a raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, simmering until thickened. Don’t rush this part; it takes a few minutes but you’ll get a luscious, velvety base for your cheese.

Step 3: Season & Melt Your Cheeses

Once your sauce has thickened, whisk in salt, pepper, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Then off the heat, add Velveeta, Parmesan, and most of your sharp cheddar, stirring constantly until smooth and gooey. Taste here and adjust salt and pepper—it makes a difference!

Step 4: Combine, Top, and Bake

Stir the drained pasta into your cheesy sauce until each piece is beautifully coated. Pour it all into a greased 9×13-inch dish. Mix the crushed pretzels, remaining cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, and parsley for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over your mac. Pop it into a 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—that’s key to letting everything set perfectly!

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—they add a nice pop of color and a mild freshness that cuts the richness of the cheese. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of truffle oil for a little indulgence when entertaining.

Side Dishes

This dish holds its own, but I love pairing it with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, a bright green salad with vinaigrette, or some tangy pickles. The acidity balances all that creamy cheese wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets topped with some fresh herbs and a tiny dollop of sour cream. It looks fancy but is super approachable—and everyone always asks for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it lasts around 3-4 days. Before reheating, I add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce—it thickens quite a bit when cold.

Freezing

If freezing, I recommend portioning into individual containers. The texture stays pretty good if you thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, but the topping won’t stay quite as crispy.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning. For microwaving, reheat in short bursts and stir occasionally while adding a little milk to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pretzel Topping Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites for cozy dinners and special gatherings. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress friends and family. The creamy sauce paired with that crunchy, salty pretzel topping creates such a satisfying bite every time, and trust me—you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again. So grab your favorite cheese, a bag of pretzels, and let’s get baking!

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