Description
This Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese is a fun and easy twist on a classic comfort food. With a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy topping, it’s baked on a sheet pan for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a family meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 12 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- Fresh chives, chopped, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a half sheet pan with nonstick spray. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and spread on the prepared sheet pan.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add ¾ of the cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
- Combine with Pasta: Pour cheese sauce over pasta on the sheet pan and mix well. Top with remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and crushed crackers.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- For a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe can be easily halved for a smaller crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
