Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese | The Next Recipes

Try this Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese — creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. Easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food for weeknights or gatherings from The Next Recipes.

Introduction

Nothing says comfort food like mac and cheese — but what if you could make a cheesy, baked mac and cheese that’s big enough to feed a crowd, easy to prep, and all cooked on a single sheet pan? Enter this Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese, a simple, satisfying recipe that transforms classic mac into a golden, bubbly, cheesy masterpiece.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. By baking it on a sheet pan, you get a deliciously crisp top layer while keeping the cheesy interior soft and creamy. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests.

At The Next Recipes, we love turning classic dishes into easy, approachable meals without sacrificing flavor. This sheet pan mac and cheese recipe hits all the marks: cheesy, creamy, golden, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients for Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water or unsalted broth (for cooking pasta)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and indulgent baked mac and cheese that has just the right balance of gooey cheese and golden crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions, but cook slightly al dente since it will bake in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form.

Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, along with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Sheet Pan

Spread the cheesy macaroni evenly onto the prepared sheet pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.

Step 6: Add Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese for a golden, crispy top layer.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly around the edges.

Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra golden crunch, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot straight from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese is perfect as:

• Main Dish: Serve as a comfort-food dinner with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, sausage, or barbecue for a hearty meal.
• Potluck Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties or gatherings.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner: Creamy, cheesy, and loved by children and adults alike.

Its cheesy, golden layers and creamy interior make it ideal for almost any occasion.

Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

This Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top — all made on a single sheet pan for easy cooking and cleanup! A crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Customize with add-ins like bacon, breadcrumbs, or veggies for extra flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 7 Servings

Course: comfort food, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Mac and Cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder optional
• For the Topping
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

• Large sheet pan
• Parchment paper or foil
• Medium pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat Oven
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. Cook Pasta
4. Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Make Cheese Sauce
6. In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
7. Combine Pasta & Sauce
8. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated. Spread evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
9. Add Topping
10. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
11. Bake
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
13. Serve
14. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for extra cheesy flavor.

Add cooked bacon, ham, or roasted veggies for variety.

For a crispy topping, broil the last 2–3 minutes but watch closely.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: One sheet pan and simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or large family dinners.
• Cheesy and Comforting: Combines gooey cheese with a crispy topping.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, then bake when ready.
• Customizable: Add bacon, breadcrumbs, or other cheeses for your twist.

This is a recipe you’ll come back to over and over — it’s cheesy, simple, and delicious every time.

Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

• Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook to avoid mushy results after baking.
• Use sharp cheddar: For the best flavor, combine cheeses with a balance of sharpness and meltability.
• Even layer: Spread pasta evenly to ensure a consistent golden crust.
• Topping variations: Try crushed crackers, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even fried onions.
• Optional add-ins: Sausage, bacon, or roasted vegetables can be added for a heartier dish.

FAQ

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

This Baked Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crunchy layer. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Make it tonight for a warm, satisfying meal, or prepare ahead for a potluck or family gathering. For more easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food recipes, visit The Next Recipes and explore dishes that make every meal special.

Share your results in the comments and discover even more cheesy, baked, and one-pan recipes to keep your kitchen inspired.