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Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese - recipe card
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This sheet pan mac and cheese delivers all the creamy, comforting appeal of traditional stovetop mac and cheese, but with a crispy, golden top that bakes beautifully in the oven. The velvety cheddar sauce clings to every elbow, while the panko-cheddar crust adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (227g) elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 8 oz (227g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups), divided
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional, adds depth)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 18×13-inch rimmed baking sheet (half sheet pan) with butter or lightly coat with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps the edges crisp up nicely.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 2-3 minutes less than package directions) – about 7-8 minutes. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking slightly ensures it won’t become mushy.
  3. Drain the pasta immediately and set aside. Do not rinse – the residual starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it foams and then subsides. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This removes the raw flour taste; you’ll see it bubble and turn lightly golden.
  5. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a wooden spoon.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) of the grated cheddar, one handful at a time, whisking until melted and smooth after each addition. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup (2 oz) of grated cheddar. Toss until the crumbs are evenly coated – this will become the crispy golden topping.
  8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated. The sauce should be glossy and creamy, not too thick (it will thicken more during baking).
  9. Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan, smoothing it out into a single, even layer. This maximizes surface area for crispness.
  10. Sprinkle the panko-cheddar topping evenly over the pasta. You can press lightly to help it adhere.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the pasta are bubbly and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  13. Serve hot, scooping from the sheet pan. Enjoy the contrast of the crispy top and creamy interior.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, but the topping will lose crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, cheddar pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, crispy topping, oven baked pasta, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-sheet-pan-mac-and-cheese/