Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese (Printable Version)

Baked macaroni with roasted Brussels sprouts and a rich cheesy sauce on a sheet pan.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Vegetables

02 - 12 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese Sauce

06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 - 3 cups whole milk
09 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
10 - 3.5 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

16 - 2 oz panko breadcrumbs
17 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 1 tbsp melted butter
19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on one half of the sheet pan.
03 - Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
05 - Remove sauce from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Mix drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
07 - Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly on the other half of the sheet pan alongside the Brussels sprouts.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are tender and breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
10 - Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy one-pan preparation makes cleanup a breeze
  • Combines creamy macaroni with crispy vegetables for extra texture
02 -
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese sauce
  • Substitute Gruyère with fontina or Monterey Jack if preferred
03 -
  • For crispier topping, broil the pan for 1–2 minutes at the end
  • If you prep ahead, keep toppings separate until ready to bake
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