Description
Macaroni and Cheese Pizza brings together two beloved comfort foods for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. This recipe features a crisp pizza crust layered with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with gooey mozzarella and cheddar, then baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or satisfying serious cravings, it’s a truly unforgettable mash-up!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pizza Crust
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12-inch round, homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven โ Start by preheating your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
- Prepare the Macaroni โ Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce โ In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese โ Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Shape the Pizza Dough โ On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
- Brush and Pre-Bake the Crust โ Brush the pizza dough lightly with olive oil. For crispier crust, prebake it in the oven for about 5 minutes, then remove.
- Assemble the Pizza โ Evenly spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the pizza crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and parmesan if using.
- Bake the Pizza โ Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10โ12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve โ Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Slice and enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza!
Notes
- For a shortcut, use boxed macaroni and cheese (prepared) instead of homemade.
- Customize your pizza by adding bacon bits, cooked sausage, or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven for a crisp crust; avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.
- Use your favorite pizza crustโthin, thick, or gluten-freeโto suit your preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 8)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg