Name: Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups whole milk; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the creamiest, crispiest, and downright easiest way to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort food, this Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese recipe is your new best friend. With its golden, cheesy crust and irresistibly gooey center, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. Ready to experience baked mac like never before? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese

Maximized crispy edges and corners on every slice—no more fighting over the best bits!
Feeds a crowd easily, making it perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Simple prep with minimal fuss—just mix, bake, and serve straight from the pan.
Endlessly customizable with mix-ins or cheeses for your own unique twist.
Bakes faster than traditional casserole-style recipes, saving you precious time.

Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups (16 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prep and Boil Pasta

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 6 minutes—about 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce

While the pasta boils, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Stir in Cheeses

Lower the heat to low. Add 3 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and velvety.

Step 4: Combine and Spread on Sheet Pan

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat. Lightly grease an 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan. Pour the pasta mixture onto the pan and smooth into an even layer.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. For extra crispy edges, broil for 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let your Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese rest 5-10 minutes. Slice into squares, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and serve hot.

Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese Notes

Using whole milk ensures ultimate creaminess, but 2% can work in a pinch.
Preshredded cheese works, but for smoother sauce, shred your own from the block—here’s why from Kitchen Seer.
Don’t skip resting before serving so squares hold together!

Variations: Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese Your Way

Bacon Mac: Stir in 1 cup crispy bacon bits before baking.
Broccoli Boost: Add 2 cups cooked broccoli florets for a veggie-packed twist.
Three-Cheese Deluxe: Use a blend of cheddar, gruyère, and Monterey Jack for bold, layered flavor.

Required Equipment for Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese

18×13 inch rimmed sheet pan
Large saucepan
Whisk
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Box grater (if shredding cheese)

Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese Storage & Shelf Life

Store leftover Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until hot. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through. For additional food safety info, check out StillTasty.com.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad, classic meatloaf, or roasted BBQ chicken.
Ideal for potlucks—slice into bars for easy finger food.
Serve topped with fresh chives or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a flavor boost.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese

Boil pasta just shy of al dente—the oven will finish cooking it for perfect texture.
For ultra creamy results, use freshly grated cheese and stir cheese in off-heat (read more tips at Southern Living).
Let cool slightly before slicing to keep squares neat and tidy when serving.

Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes?: Absolutely! Penne, shells, or rotini work great in this Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese recipe.
Can I make this dish in advance?: Yes—assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bake just before serving.
What’s the best cheese combo?: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Jack, gouda, or gruyère add delicious depth—customize to your taste!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10