Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe

Imagine the sheer joy of two ultimate comfort foods joining forces: that’s precisely what you get with Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. Creamy, cheesy macaroni piled atop a crisp pizza crust, baked to golden perfection and finished with extra melty cheese—this genius mash-up delivers creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying bites you’ll crave long after the last slice disappears.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, you’ll turn familiar favorites into something totally extraordinary. Each item here is carefully chosen to deliver the flavor, color, and texture that make Macaroni and Cheese Pizza such a delight.

• Pizza dough: Opt for a classic homemade or store-bought dough—this forms the irresistible, chewy-crisp base that supports all the cheesy goodness.
• Elbow macaroni: These small pasta tubes are ideal for catching pools of sauce and fit perfectly atop a pizza crust without rolling off.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor and a gooey stretch to both the sauce and the topping.
• Whole milk: Gives your cheese sauce a creamy texture without making it too heavy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps smooth the cheese sauce, so it clings to every macaroni noodle.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce just enough to keep it luscious and sliceable.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a savory kick and depth that sets this pie apart from plain mac and cheese.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings ensure all the flavors shine through perfectly.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for a gloriously bubbly, stringy pizza finish.
• Optional toppings (crumbled bacon, green onions, or hot sauce): A chance to add color, crunch, or a touch of heat to your finished masterpiece.

How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Pizza Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) and lining a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper. Stretch or roll the pizza dough into your desired shape—round, oblong, or even individual pies. Make sure the dough is about 1/4 inch thick so it stays sturdy beneath the mac and cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you want it to hold its shape on the pizza.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually stream in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, creamy, and fully melted.

Step 4: Assemble the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the hot cheese sauce, coating every noodle thoroughly. Spread this glorious mixture evenly over the prepared dough, making sure to leave a border for the crust. Top everything with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings you like.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the pizza to your hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is baked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest a minute or two before slicing, so the mac and cheese settles into perfect pizza slices.

How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds welcoming freshness, while crispy bacon bits provide a smoky crunch. For extra flair, dust with red pepper flakes or drizzle with a little hot sauce to balance out all that creamy richness. Serving your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza with these touches makes every bite pop just a little more.

Side Dishes

This decadent pizza pairs beautifully with a simple side salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. Roasted broccoli or a bowl of tomato soup also complement it perfectly, adding color and extra nutrition alongside your cheesy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza into narrow strips for shareable party bites, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes if you’re making this for kids. Arrange slices on a wooden board and scatter garnish all around for a more rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation. For an extra touch, serve individual mini Macaroni and Cheese Pizzas as part of a playful dinner spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza stays fresh and delicious for up to three days when properly refrigerated—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

To freeze, cool the pizza completely and layer slices between sheets of parchment or wax paper before sealing in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to reheat just what you need. Frozen Macaroni and Cheese Pizza keeps well for up to two months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is gooey again. While the microwave will work in a pinch, the oven preserves that satisfying crunch and creamy bite that make this pizza so special.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta or dough for Macaroni and Cheese Pizza?

Absolutely! Just choose your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and elbow macaroni—your sauce and cheese dreams will turn out just as delicious, with all the same gooey comfort.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Feel free to mix things up with smoked Gouda, fontina, or gruyère for extra depth. A little parmesan sprinkled over the top brings a lovely sharp finish, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How can I avoid a soggy pizza crust?

Make sure your cheese sauce is thick enough to cling to the pasta without being runny, and avoid overloading the crust with too much macaroni. A quick pre-bake of the empty dough for five minutes helps keep things crisp underneath, too.

Is Macaroni and Cheese Pizza kid-friendly?

Kids will love it! This creative recipe is a guaranteed hit at birthday parties and makes comfort-food lovers of all ages beam with delight. Miniature versions are especially fun for little hands and appetites.

Can I add vegetables or protein to the topping?

Definitely! Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas with the macaroni, or add cooked chicken or ham for extra flavor and substance. Just keep toppings in moderation so the pizza holds together when you slice it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magic about Macaroni and Cheese Pizza—the way it transforms casual weeknight dinner into a playful, memory-making experience. If you’re searching for that perfect blend of nostalgia, fun, and flavor, give this recipe a try. One bite, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

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