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Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese
4.9 from 120 votes

Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese combines cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy sauce made from butter, garlic, shallots, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is assembled in a sheet pan topped with a cheesy panko breadcrumb crust and broiled to create a crispy surface. The sharp cheddar and Parmesan offer a rich, tangy flavor, balanced by the creamy sauce and the slight crunch from the panko topping.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni large
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot minced, medium
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups milk whole
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
  • black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
  • 4 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, extra-sharp
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
  2. Preheat oven to broil on high. Arrange an oven rack 6-inches from the broiler. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  4. Whisk in flour and paprika until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream and Dijon until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, Parmesan and pasta until well combined; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. In a small bowl, combine Panko and remaining 2 cups cheddar cheese.
  7. Spread pasta mixture into the prepared sheet pan; sprinkle with Panko mixture.
  8. Place into oven and broil, rotating the sheet pan a few times, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, airier crust; find them in the Asian foods aisle.