Sheet Pan Mac Cheese Bacon

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 tried making mac and cheese on a sheet pan when my family craved even more crunchy corners than our usual casserole could provide. The bacon crumble was the biggest hit, quickly becoming a requested favorite for cozy weeknights.

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

Prep & Preheat:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan (approx. 18x13 inches / 45x33 cm).

Cook Pasta:

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not browned. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add Cheese:

Remove from heat, add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

Combine Pasta & Sauce:

Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.

Spread Mixture:

Spread the mac and cheese evenly on the prepared sheet pan.

Prepare Bacon Crumble:

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain and crumble. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then stir in crumbled bacon and parsley.

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle bacon crumble evenly over mac and cheese. Bake 18–22 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Rest & Serve:

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Save

We once enjoyed this dish for a big family game night, and the whole pan disappeared before anyone finished their cards. The crunchy topping is always a crowd favorite for both kids and grownups.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sheet pan mac and cheese with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Add roasted vegetables if you crave more color and nutrition on your plate.

Wine & Drink Pairings

Try a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a pale ale to complement the rich cheese and bacon flavors. Sparkling water with lemon also refreshes after each creamy bite.

Allergen Info

This recipe contains milk/dairy, wheat/gluten, and pork. Check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies or dietary restrictions related to soy in panko or cheese.

Save

Serve warm and watch the crispy edges and bacon topping disappear fast. This easy sheet pan method is sure to become a favorite comfort food at your house!

Cooking Questions

→ How do I get crispy edges on the mac and cheese?

Baking the mac and cheese evenly spread on a rimmed sheet pan allows the edges to crisp up nicely while the center remains creamy.

→ Can I substitute cheeses in the sauce?

Yes, smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack can be used for a different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

→ What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard in the sauce?

Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth, balancing the richness of the cheeses.

→ How is the bacon crumble prepared?

Bacon is cooked until crispy, drained, then crumbled and mixed with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter for a crunchy topping.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Omit the bacon and replace with sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli in the crumble for a flavorful vegetarian option.