Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese (Printable)

Baked macaroni combined with roasted Brussels sprouts and a creamy cheese sauce, all made on one pan.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni

→ Vegetables

02 - 12 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese Sauce

06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
12 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
13 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on half of the sheet pan.
03 - Roast Brussels sprouts in oven for 12 minutes while preparing pasta and cheese sauce.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 2 minutes less than package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
07 - Mix drained macaroni with cheese sauce thoroughly. Remove sheet pan from oven and spread mac and cheese evenly on the empty half, nestling alongside the partially roasted Brussels sprouts.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
09 - Return sheet pan to oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until topping is golden and Brussels sprouts are crisp-tender.
10 - Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
  • Vegetarian and packed with flavor
02 -
  • Contains gluten, milk, and mustard allergens
  • Pasta should be cooked just al dente for best texture
03 -
  • Add cayenne for a little extra kick
  • Swap Gruyère for Monterey Jack or add cooked bacon for a twist
Go Back