Save to Pinterest A comforting twist on the classic, this creamy mac and cheese is baked on a sheet pan for extra crispy edges and topped with a savory bacon crumble.
This recipe was inspired by my love for traditional mac and cheese but with a fun, crispy twist that always impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 950 ml (4 cups) whole milk, 225 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 115 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese shredded, 60 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese grated, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
- Bacon Crumble: 6 slices bacon, 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet (approx. 30x43 cm / 12x17 in) with parchment paper or grease well.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- While pasta cooks, place bacon slices on a separate baking sheet. Bake for 12 15 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop.
- Step 4:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 5:
- Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 7:
- Combine drained macaroni with cheese sauce. Spread evenly onto prepared sheet pan.
- Step 8:
- In a bowl, mix panko with melted butter and half the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle mixture evenly over macaroni. Top with remaining bacon.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra crispness, broil for 2 3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Step 10:
- Remove from oven. Let cool slightly, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this dish especially on weekend dinners, creating warm memories with every bite and crispy edge that everyone fights over.
Notes
For a spicy kick add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce. Swap Gruyère for mozzarella or more cheddar if preferred. Try adding chopped scallions or jalapeños for variation. Serve with a crisp green salad for balance.
Required Tools
Large pot, Medium saucepan, Whisk, Rimmed baking sheet, Parchment paper (optional), Mixing bowls, Knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (wheat), Milk (dairy), Egg (in some pasta and panko), Pork (bacon). May contain Soy (in some panko or cheeses). Check all labels if you have allergies.
Save to Pinterest This sheet pan mac and cheese is perfect for easy weeknight dinners with a gourmet touch that everyone will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy edges on the mac and cheese?
Using a rimmed sheet pan and spreading the mixture evenly ensures maximum surface exposure. Baking at a high temperature and briefly broiling at the end creates golden, crispy edges.
- → Can I make the bacon crumble ahead of time?
Yes, crisp the bacon slices separately, crumble them once cooled, and mix with melted butter and panko breadcrumbs. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- → What cheeses are ideal for the sauce?
A combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan provides a balanced flavor and smooth texture in the cheese sauce.
- → Is there a way to add a spicy kick to this dish?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce delivers a subtle heat that complements the creamy and savory flavors.
- → Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese with another cheese?
Gruyère may be swapped for mozzarella or additional cheddar if desired, though it will slightly alter the flavor and melt consistency.