Save to Pinterest 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.
This dish quickly became a family favorite the first time I baked it, with everyone loving the crisp edges paired with the cheesy center.
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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)
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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.
- Melt Butter and Flour:
- 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 On Pan:
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
- Cook Bacon:
- For the bacon crumble cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
- Make Crumble:
- In a bowl 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 18 22 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table especially on chilly evenings when comfort food hits just right.
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Notes
Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness and pair with a lightly oaked Chardonnay or pale ale.
Required Tools
Large saucepan, sheet pan (18x13 inches), cheese grater, mixing bowls, skillet, whisk, colander
Nutritional Information
Calories: 720, Total Fat: 38 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 31 g per serving
Save to Pinterest 
This sheet pan mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve crispy edges on the mac and cheese?
Spreading the pasta mixture evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and baking at a high temperature helps develop crispy, browned edges while maintaining a creamy center.
- → Can I substitute the bacon crumble for a vegetarian option?
Yes, omit the bacon and replace the crumble with sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli mixed with panko and butter for added texture and flavor.
- → What cheeses are best for a rich cheese sauce?
A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan offers a balanced mix of sharpness, creaminess, and depth to the sauce.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor?
Spices like smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and Dijon mustard add layers of savory complexity and enhance the cheese sauce character.
- → What’s the best way to prepare the bacon crumble topping?
Cook thick-cut bacon until crispy, crumble it finely, then mix with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter before sprinkling over the mac and cheese for added crunch.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Prepare all components in advance and assemble before baking. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy topping and creamy interior.
