Craving comfort food with the wow-factor turned all the way up? This Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe merges two of the most beloved dishes on the planet into one glorious slice you’ll dream about for days. Imagine gooey, melty cheddar cheese sauce hugging tender macaroni, all spread over a golden pizza crust and baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite captures the creamy nostalgia of homemade mac and cheese with the crispy, chewy appeal of a first-rate pizza. Perfect for family movie nights, game day gatherings, or just satisfying a serious cheese craving, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat—get ready to see smiles all around!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one plays a starring role in making this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe truly unforgettable. Nothing fancy, just good pantry staples coming together to create cheesy magic on a pizza crust. Here’s what you’ll need, with a little tip for every ingredient.
- Prepared pizza crust or homemade dough (12-inch): Choose a thinner crust to balance the rich, cheesy topper and keep every bite light and crispy.
- Cooked elbow macaroni (2 cups): Go for al dente pasta, so it keeps its shape and texture under the cheese sauce and oven heat.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Kicks off your creamy cheese sauce with buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce for a luscious, clingy finish on the pasta.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Delivers richness and creaminess that brings the cheese sauce together—avoid skim for best flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Packs bold flavor into the sauce; orange cheddar gives it a classic Mac and Cheese color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Adds that gooey stretch we love in any pizza topping.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mellow garlic note that keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount to enhance all the cheesy, buttery flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and earthiness to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a savory, nutty finish and a little extra color.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh and green, it brightens up the final look and taste of your pizza just before serving.
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Crust
Preheat your oven to 450°F to make sure that golden, crispy base is set up for success. Place your prepared pizza crust—store-bought for speed or homemade for extra pride—on a baking sheet or a pizza stone. This gets your pizza ready to catch all that beautiful cheesy goodness without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Let’s build flavor from the ground up! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam slightly. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute; this forms the roux and gets rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly drizzle in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Keep stirring as it thickens to a silky, glossy texture—usually 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in your shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Watch the cheeses melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce that tastes like pure comfort.
Step 3: Add the Macaroni
Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into your cheese sauce, making sure every little piece gets coated. This is the heart of the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe—the creamy pasta is what sets this pizza over the top. If you have leftover mac and cheese, you can even shortcut this step and just reheat it enough to spread.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spoon the warm mac and cheese mixture evenly over the prepared pizza crust, spreading all the way to the edges. Don’t worry if it seems thick—this is what gives the pizza its iconic, indulgent bite. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for a gorgeous browned finish and an extra pop of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You want the crust golden on the bottom and the cheese on top hot and bubbly. Don’t wander too far, because the irresistible smell of the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe will have you counting the seconds until it’s done!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes so everything holds together. Before slicing, scatter some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herby freshness. Now you’re ready to cut generous slices and share the cheesy love!
How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference! Top your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives for a fresh, vibrant contrast. For the daring, a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce adds a subtle heat that plays so nicely with the creamy cheese. Let everyone at the table customize their own slice.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, cheesy pizza with something crisp and refreshing—think a big leafy salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad also makes perfect sense, balancing out flavors and leaving room for “just one more slice.”
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a party centerpiece—slice your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe into smaller squares for a fun appetizer, or bake several pies and set up a “slice bar” with toppings and dips. For game day, try baking individual mini versions. This mashup begs for a casual, playful atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe? Lucky you! Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days so you can sneak a cheesy treat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooled pizza slices. Place parchment between slices and seal them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just think of the joy you’ll feel finding mac and cheese pizza in your freezer after a long day.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crispness, reheat slices in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is firm again. For a quick fix, a toaster oven also works great. While microwaving is quick, it may soften the crust and won’t quite deliver that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni is ideal for holding onto the cheese sauce, feel free to swap with small shells or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.
How do I make the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe spicier?
Kick things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your cheese sauce, or drizzling hot sauce over the finished pizza. You could also stir in diced jalapenos or serve with spicy ranch for dipping.
Can I use store-bought mac and cheese?
Yes! If you want to shortcut the process, use your favorite boxed or deli mac and cheese—just warm it slightly, spread it over the crust, and continue with the recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers too.
Is the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this recipe is fully vegetarian. Just ensure all cheeses you use are made with vegetarian (non-animal) rennet, especially Parmesan, if that’s important to you.
What’s the best way to make the crust extra crispy?
Preheat a pizza stone in the oven if you have one, or bake your pizza on the lowest rack of your oven to help the bottom crisp up beautifully. Brushing the edge of the crust with a touch of olive oil adds color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to break all the pizza rules in the most delicious way possible, give this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s perfect for bringing everyone together and guaranteed to make you the hero of any gathering. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza recipe. Creamy mac and cheese loaded onto a crispy pizza crust, baked to golden perfection. A kid-friendly dinner that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Pizza:
- 1 (12-inch) prepared pizza crust or homemade dough
Macaroni and Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
- Bake: Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover mac and cheese to speed up the process.
- For added flavor, stir in cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
- A thinner crust works best to balance the richness of the topping.
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