Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

Featured in: Supper Club Comforts

This creamy mac combines tender elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, brightened by Dijon mustard and smoky paprika. Roasted Brussels sprouts add a fresh, crisp contrast, all baked together on a single sheet pan for convenience and perfect golden edges. A crunchy panko and Parmesan topping adds texture, making it an easy, flavorful dish ideal for weeknights.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:47:00 GMT
Golden-brown sheet pan mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts, bubbling hot and ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown sheet pan mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts, bubbling hot and ready to enjoy. | buddybiteskitchen.com

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese elevated with roasted Brussels sprouts, all baked together on a sheet pan for perfect crispy edges and easy serving.

I first tried this sheet pan mac and cheese when searching for a way to add a veggie boost to classic comfort food. The Brussels sprouts roast up golden and pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a dish that's both satisfying and a little unexpected.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
  • Vegetables: 350 g (12 oz) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cheese Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 700 ml (3 cups) whole milk, 200 g (7 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 100 g (3.5 oz) Gruyère cheese, shredded, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Topping: 60 g (2 oz) panko breadcrumbs, 30 g (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Brussels Sprouts:
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on half the sheet pan.
Cook Pasta:
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add Cheese & Seasonings:
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce.
Assemble Sheet Pan:
Spread macaroni mixture evenly on the other half of the sheet pan, next to the Brussels sprouts.
Add Topping:
In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are roasted and breadcrumb topping is golden.
Finish & Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.
Crispy Brussels sprouts mingle with cheesy sheet pan mac and cheese, baked to perfection. Save to Pinterest
Crispy Brussels sprouts mingle with cheesy sheet pan mac and cheese, baked to perfection. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This recipe has become a favorite for my family dinners, where everyone can scoop their favorite crispy corners right off the pan. It turns a classic into something a bit special, always inspiring extra helpings around the table.

Required Tools

Large rimmed sheet pan, saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls, cheese grater

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (pasta, flour, panko). Contains eggs if pasta is egg-based (check labels for gluten-free or egg-free options).

Nutritional Information

Calories: 500, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 20 g (per serving)

A close-up view of creamy sheet pan mac and cheese topped with golden breadcrumbs and parsley. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of creamy sheet pan mac and cheese topped with golden breadcrumbs and parsley. | buddybiteskitchen.com

The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts and molten cheese makes every bite irresistible. Serve straight from the sheet pan for relaxed family meals and easy cleanup!

Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese

Creamy mac with roasted Brussels sprouts baked on a sheet pan for crispy edges and rich flavor.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Supper Club Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 14 oz elbow macaroni

Vegetables

01 12 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 Salt, to taste
04 Black pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

01 3 tbsp unsalted butter
02 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
03 3 cups whole milk
04 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 3.5 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
06 1 tsp Dijon mustard
07 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 2 oz panko breadcrumbs
02 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 tbsp melted butter
04 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Brussels sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly over half of the sheet pan.

Step 03

Cook pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly.

Step 04

Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until cheese is fully melted.

Step 06

Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Step 07

Assemble on sheet pan: Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture on the empty half of the sheet pan next to the Brussels sprouts.

Step 08

Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.

Step 09

Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until Brussels sprouts are roasted and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Step 10

Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large rimmed sheet pan
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (pasta, flour, panko). Check pasta labels for possible egg content.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 500
  • Fat Content: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 53 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams