Sheet Pan Mac Cheese Bacon (Printable)

Comfortable baked mac with creamy cheese and a crunchy bacon topping for maximum flavor and texture.

# 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 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
13 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
14 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

→ 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)

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan approximately 18 by 13 inches.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling without browning.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer while stirring frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes.
05 - Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
06 - Remove from heat, then add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and grated Parmesan. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
08 - Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
09 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
10 - In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir in crumbled bacon and optionally fresh parsley.
11 - Evenly sprinkle the bacon crumble mixture over the mac and cheese in the sheet pan.
12 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Crispy edges from sheet pan baking
  • Savory bacon crumble adds extra flavor and crunch
02 -
  • Omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli for a vegetarian version
  • Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack to change the cheese flavor
03 -
  • Cook pasta just under al dente since it finishes in the oven
  • Let the dish rest to thicken and improve texture before serving
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