Pin It A comforting, creamy mac and cheese baked on a sheet pan for maximum crispy edges, topped with a savory bacon crumble for extra flavor and crunch.
I love making this sheet pan mac and cheese for family gatherings because it combines comfort food with easy prep and a delicious crispy topping.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour, 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1 cup (100 g) Gruyère cheese shredded, 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese grated
- Bacon Crumble: 6 slices (150 g) thick-cut bacon, 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons (10 g) fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan approx 18x13 inches (45x33 cm)
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions It will finish cooking in the oven Drain and set aside
- Make Roux:
- In a large saucepan melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not browned
- Add Milk and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream Simmer stirring frequently until thickened about 5 minutes
- Season Sauce:
- Stir in Dijon mustard garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and add cheddar Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses stirring until melted and smooth
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat evenly
- Spread Mixture:
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan
- Cook Bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy Drain on paper towels crumble and set aside
- Make Bacon Crumble:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter Stir in crumbled bacon and parsley
- Top Mac and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the bacon crumble mixture evenly over the mac and cheese
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1822 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together especially on chilly nights when comfort food is a must.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness and pair with a lightly oaked Chardonnay or pale ale.
Allergen Information
Contains Milk/Dairy Wheat/Gluten Pork Double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Nutritional Information
Approximately 720 calories 38 g total fat 60 g carbohydrates 31 g protein per serving
Pin It Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that combines ease and deliciousness every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve crispy edges on the mac and cheese?
Baking the pasta and cheese sauce on a rimmed sheet pan allows more surface area to brown and crisp around the edges, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the bacon crumble topping?
Yes, you can swap bacon crumble for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly topping with contrasting texture.
- → What cheeses are best for this dish?
A combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan gives a rich, melty sauce with sharp, nutty notes that balance creamy texture.
- → How do spices influence the flavor?
Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder add subtle layers of savory complexity to the smooth cheese sauce.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.