Sheet Pan Mac Cheese Bacon (Printable)

Baked creamy mac and cheese with crispy edges and a savory bacon crumble topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Bacon Crumble

15 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon
16 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease an 18x13 inch rimmed sheet pan.
02 - Boil macaroni in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling without browning.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer while stirring until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
06 - Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly.
07 - Spread macaroni and cheese evenly in the prepared sheet pan.
08 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
09 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, bacon crumble, and parsley in a bowl.
10 - Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the mac and cheese. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
11 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Maximum crispy edges
  • Savory bacon crumble for extra flavor and crunch
02 -
  • Substitute smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor
  • For a vegetarian version omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli to the crumble
03 -
  • Cook macaroni slightly under al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor
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