If you have ever dreamed of combining the irresistible creaminess of mac and cheese with the crispy, golden perfection of pizza crust, then this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together two beloved comfort foods into one glorious dish that’s rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re entertaining friends, feeding a family, or just craving something truly indulgent, this recipe delivers a fun and flavorful twist on pizza night that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in creating that luscious texture and flavorful punch. From the gooey sharp cheddar to the fresh dough, every element counts for a perfect balance.
- Pizza dough: Use either homemade or store-bought for a reliable, crispy base that holds all those cheesy toppings beautifully.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that traps creamy cheese sauce for every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich roux base, adding smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the roux, helping the sauce achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Milk: The foundation of the cheese sauce, lending a silky texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a bold, tangy flavor that defines mac and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Garlic powder: A subtle boost of savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish and a golden crust.
- Fresh parsley or red pepper flakes (optional): For a fresh or spicy pop of flavor and vibrant color.
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside so it can get sizzling hot, which helps the crust become delightfully crisp.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water following the package directions until it’s just al dente — tender but still with a little bite. This ensures your macaroni won’t get mushy when baked on the pizza.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux, cooking it for a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Cheese
Gently fold the drained macaroni into your homemade cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated luxuriously with that cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Roll Out and Assemble
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch round. Transfer it onto your pizza pan or the preheated pizza stone.
Step 6: Spread and Top
Evenly spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust to puff up nicely. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a wonderfully savory crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes until your crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling invitingly. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing so you don’t lose any of that melty goodness.
How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness while red pepper flakes provide a welcome kick of heat. Both options add beautiful color and complexity to each slice.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add freshness and lighten up the meal. A simple tomato basil soup works brilliantly too, complementing the cheese with its acidic tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe as individual slice-sized portions at casual parties or cut into smaller squares for bite-sized appetizers that’ll impress your guests. For a more indulgent twist, add crumbled bacon or caramelized onions atop before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Macaroni and Cheese Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain freshness without sacrificing taste or texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pizza stays delicious for up to two months and can be enjoyed whenever convenience calls.
Reheating
To reheat, place your slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese bubbles again. This method keeps the crust crispy and restores that fresh-from-the-oven flavor better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create the classic combo, you can experiment with white cheddar, smoked gouda, or even Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Just make sure your chosen cheeses melt well.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe is very kid-friendly. It combines familiar flavors in a fun format, making it a fantastic option for picky eaters who love both mac and cheese and pizza.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Preheating a pizza stone and baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crispy crust. You can also brush the dough edges with a little olive oil before baking for an added golden crunch.
Can I add toppings like bacon or vegetables?
Definitely! Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even steamed broccoli to the cheese mixture before spreading it on the dough. These additions bring new flavors and textures that complement the creamy mac and cheese beautifully.
Is it possible to use gluten-free pizza dough?
Yes, using gluten-free pizza dough is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just adjust the baking time as needed according to your dough’s instructions to ensure a perfect bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining two comfort food classics into one unforgettable dish, and this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe does it flawlessly. It’s perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or anytime you want to delight your taste buds with something fun and cheesy. Give it a try, and this recipe might just become your new favorite go-to!
Print
Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Macaroni and Cheese Pizza that combines creamy cheesy pasta with a crispy pizza crust, perfect for a kid-friendly dinner or a fun twist on classic pizza night.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
For the Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat while you prepare the pizza.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux and remove raw flour taste.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly.
- Shape Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12–14 inch round. Transfer dough to a pizza pan or preheated pizza stone.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for extra savory flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked bacon or sautéed onions into the mac and cheese before spreading on pizza dough.
- Try using white cheddar or smoked gouda for a more gourmet variation of the cheese sauce.
