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Crispy Sheet Pan Chili Mac n Cheese Recipe

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This Crispy Sheet Pan Chili Mac n Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, featuring smoky green chilis, a creamy cheese sauce, and a perfectly crispy panko topping. It’s cooked on a single sheet pan and broiled to golden perfection, delivering an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a delightful crunch.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 Pound Large Elbow Macaroni

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Large Shallot, finely chopped
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, mashed
  • 1 4 Ounce Can Diced Green Chilis
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Cups Whole Milk
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Cheese & Topping

  • 4 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 1/2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Heat Pan: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat to prepare for making the cheese sauce.
  3. Melt Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the hot skillet and allow it to melt completely.
  4. Cook Shallot and Garlic: Add the finely chopped shallot and mashed garlic to the melted butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then stir in the diced green chilis, mixing well.
  5. Prepare Roux: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and all-purpose flour over the butter, shallot, garlic, and chili mixture. Stir continuously to coat and cook the flour; the mixture will thicken and form a roux.
  6. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard while stirring constantly to combine everything smoothly. Let the sauce cook and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  8. Prepare Tray: Spray a half baking sheet (18 x 13 inches) with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  9. Add Pasta to Tray: Spread the cooked elbow macaroni in an even layer across the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Add Breadcrumbs and Sauce: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the panko breadcrumbs over the pasta. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the pasta and breadcrumbs.
  11. Toss Pasta and Breadcrumbs: Gently toss the pasta and crumbs in the cheese sauce to coat everything evenly, ensuring a balanced distribution of flavors and textures.
  12. Add Remaining Breadcrumbs and Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta, then add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to create a topping that will crisp as it broils.
  13. Transfer to Oven: Place the baking sheet approximately 6 to 7 inches below the broiler in your oven.
  14. Broil Mac n Cheese: Broil for 5-6 minutes, watching closely to brown the top evenly and crisp the breadcrumbs. Rotate the tray as needed under the broiler for uniform cooking and to prevent burning.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crispy sheet pan chili mac n cheese!

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in the cheese sauce.
  • Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent burning the panko topping.
  • For a spicier dish, substitute the diced green chilis with jalapeños or add crushed red pepper flakes.
  • This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
  • To make ahead, prepare everything up to broiling, cover, and refrigerate. Broil just before serving.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/crispy-sheet-pan-chili-mac-n-cheese-recipe/