Crispy Potato Chip Mac and Cheese

See how to make no-bake mac & cheese with a crispy-crunchy top. See more

READY IN 50 mins

No-Bake Crispy Potato Chip Mac and Cheese

Read Reviews (10)

"Since everyone agrees that the best part of a macaroni and cheese is the crisp, crunchy topping, why not feature that as the star of the dish?" — Chef John

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
Combine potato chip crumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, bread crumbs, and butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Heat prepared white sauce, Cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and dry mustard in a large saucepan over low heat; cook and stir until cheese melts, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine cooked macaroni and cheese together in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into 4 (10-ounce) ramekins and cover with toasted potato chip topping.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 30 mins
COOK 20 mins
READY IN 50 mins

Footnotes

Editor's Note:
This recipe calls for Chef John's White Sauce.

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jun 03, 2012

I don't this can get any better! It was wonderful and the use of white cheese potato chips is brilliant! Thank you Chef John.

—ENELSON6

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Oct 23, 2012

We weren't fond of the chip topping. I used sharp cheddar kettle chips. The macaroni itself was very good, but the whole process was pretty labor intensive. It's still just macaroni and cheese. If I bothered to make it again I would just use a regular crumb topping.

—freidarose

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11 Ratings

Jun 27, 2012

I used this topping for restaurant style mac and cheese recipe. I used regular kettle style chips and Italian flavored bread crumbs (that was all that I had) and I also used fine shredded mozzarella & Parmesan cheese and I also used salted butter. This topping was so good! I will definitely make this topping again.

—mary.topolski

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Aug 09, 2012

Didn't care for it. Lots of trouble and not nearly enough mac for the amount of sauce. Couldn't taste the cheese. I think I could alter it and make it a lot better.

—Pettigrew

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Nov 11, 2012

It's a very good recipe. It's hard to find the white cheddar potato chips, but sing regular chips makes a delicious and crispy topping that we could not stop eating! Definitely a winner for how creamy it is too

—ballet4ever

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Dec 27, 2012

I had to make a few adjustments due to what I had on hand. I used regular kettle chips as I did not have white cheddar flavored. Instead of gruyere, I used shredded swiss. I did add a good amount of chopped ham leftover from Christmas dinner. The kids loved it, especially the topping. Husband and I thought the topping was a little odd. I'd try this again without the topping.

—Sarah Jo

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Aug 23, 2012

I NEVER fix Macaroni & Cheese but my grandson wanted some so I made this. I could not stop eating it. Now I remember why I NEVER fix Macaroni & Cheese. Thanks a bunch!

—elizabeth32

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Apr 29, 2013

I liked the idea of adding the potato chips, but this recipe is a lot of work and turns out dry and boring. However, I will make I will make it again adding cheddar and cream.

—livewire

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Nutrition

Calories
1190 kcal
59%

Carbohydrates
74.3 g
24%

Cholesterol
122 mg
41%

Fat
81.3 g
125%

Fiber
4 g
16%

Protein
42.4 g
85%

Sodium
1779 mg
71%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

No-Bake Crispy Potato Chip Mac and Cheese

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 1190
Calories from Fat: 731

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 81.3g 125 %
** Saturated Fat 33.8g 169 %
** Cholesterol 122mg 41 %
Sodium 1779mg 71 %
** Potassium 1475mg 41 %
Total Carbohydrates 74.3g 24 %
Dietary Fiber 4g 16 %
Protein 42.4g 85 %
** Sugars 12.5g
Vitamin A 35 %
Vitamin C 21 %
Calcium 136 %
Iron 33 %
** Thiamin 60 %
** Niacin 110 %
** Vitamin B6 39 %
** Magnesium 42 %
** Folate 79 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.