Ultimate Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese Bake

Ingredients

• 8 cups of water
• 4 cups of uncooked elbow pasta
• Divided into 3 parts, a total of 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• Equal portions of ½ cup of milk and heavy whipping cream
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper for flavor
• 4 ounces of Cheddar cheese, grated
• ¼ cup of panko bread crumbs
• A hint of Italian seasoning
• A touch of garlic salt

Step 1

In a large pot, let water come to a gentle boil with a pinch of salt. Add elbow macaroni and cook, stirring now and then, until it's just the right texture, around 8 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with a shiny sheet of aluminum foil.

Step 3

In a saucepan over medium heat, let 2 tablespoons of butter melt down gently, taking about a minute. Stir in flour until it forms a smooth roux. Pour in milk and cream, stirring until well combined. Sprinkle in a dash of Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a heap of grated Cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is all melty and delicious, usually 1 to 3 minutes. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and toss it into the cheesy mix, stirring until everything is beautifully coated. Spread this creamy goodness onto the waiting baking sheet.

Step 4

In a bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs, fragrant Italian seasoning, and a bit of zesty garlic salt. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture over the macaroni and cheese on the baking sheet. Take the remaining butter and melt it in a small microwave-safe bowl, usually for about a minute. Drizzle this golden buttery goodness over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 5

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it cook until it's bubbling and tempting, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy your homemade and delicious macaroni and cheese straight from the oven!