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.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite due to its creamy texture and crispy topping.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan (approx. 18x13 inches / 45x33 cm).
- Step 2:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat and add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Step 7:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat evenly.
- Step 8:
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
- Step 9:
- For the bacon crumble, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
- Step 10:
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir in crumbled bacon and parsley.
- Step 11:
- Sprinkle the bacon crumble mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Step 12:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 22 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Step 13:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish brings my whole family together especially during cold evenings when comfort food is a must.
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.
Allergen Information
Contains Milk/Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Pork. May contain Soy (if using certain brands of cheese or panko). Double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Save Enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese with a perfectly crunchy bacon topping every time.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy edges on baked mac and cheese?
Using a sheet pan spreads the mixture thinly, allowing more surface area to crisp while baking at a high temperature helps develop golden, crunchy edges.
- → What cheeses create the best flavor blend?
Combining sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan offers a balance of sharpness, nuttiness, and creaminess for a rich cheese sauce.
- → Can I substitute the bacon crumble?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli mixed with breadcrumbs to maintain texture and flavor.
- → How do spices enhance the cheese sauce?
Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders add depth and subtle smoky, tangy notes that elevate the creamy sauce.
- → Is it important to cook the pasta slightly less before baking?
Yes, undercooking pasta by a couple of minutes ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- → What is the best way to prepare the bacon crumble topping?
Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it finely, then mix with melted butter and panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy, flavorful topping.