Save 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 recipe has become a family favorite especially because of the crunchy bacon topping and creamy texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
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 & 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 Gruy&egre acute and Parmesan cheeses stirring until melted and smooth
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat evenly
- Prepare 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
- Mix Crumble:
- In a bowl mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter Stir in crumbled bacon and parsley
- Top Mac & 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 This dish always brings everyone together especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is most appreciated.
Notes
Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness 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
Save Enjoy this cheesy crunchy delight fresh from the oven for best taste and texture
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Butter and flour are cooked to form a roux, then milk and cream are whisked in and simmered until thickened. Seasonings and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses are melted into the sauce for richness.
- → Why bake the mac and cheese on a sheet pan?
Baking on a sheet pan allows more surface area, creating crispier, golden edges and an evenly baked cheesy interior.
- → How is the bacon crumble made?
Crispy bacon is crumbled and mixed with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, sometimes with parsley, to add crunch and savory flavor when sprinkled on top.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon crumble and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables as a tasty alternative topping.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad balances the richness, and beverages like lightly oaked Chardonnay or pale ale complement the flavors nicely.