Description
Mac & Cheese Pizza – The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Base:
1 large pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
For the Mac & Cheese:
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
A pinch of red pepper flakes
Dried oregano & parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
Assemble the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
Add the Toppings: Evenly spread the mac & cheese over the crust. Top with extra mozzarella, Parmesan, and sliced bell peppers if using. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with dried oregano and fresh parsley. Slice, serve, and enjoy this cheesy, gooey masterpiece!
The perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites—melty, creamy, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the entire surface with olive oil, then spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce, leaving a small border for the crust.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of well-salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain immediately and set aside. Do not overcook, as it will bake further on the pizza.
3. Create the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once foaming, whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This cooks the raw flour taste out.
4. Finish the Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until completely coated.
5. Assemble and Bake: Spoon the mac & cheese mixture over the prepared pizza base, spreading it evenly. Top with the additional 1/2 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional bell peppers. Bake on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices hot from the oven. This rich pizza pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp side salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a fun appetizer, cut into small squares. A cold beer or sparkling cider makes an excellent beverage pairing.
How-to Summary
To make Mac & Cheese Pizza, pre-bake your crust with oil and sauce. Prepare a creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese using a roux-based sauce. Spread the mac & cheese over the crust, add extra cheese toppings, and bake until golden and bubbly. Garnish with herbs before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, but choose small shapes like cavatappi or shells that hold sauce well and lay flat on the pizza.
How do I prevent a soggy crust? Ensure your mac & cheese sauce is thick, not runny, before assembling. Pre-baking the crust with just oil and sauce for 3-5 minutes before adding the mac & cheese can also create a barrier.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza crust and pasta, and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
What other toppings work well? Crispy bacon bits, diced ham, caramelized onions, or jalapeños add great flavor and texture. For a gourmet touch, try adding truffle oil after baking.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warm to maintain the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using a watery cheese sauce, as it will make the pizza crust soggy. Do not overload the pizza with too many wet toppings. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for proper cheese melt and crust crispness. Finally, let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Conclusion
This Mac & Cheese Pizza is the ultimate indulgence, successfully merging two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can achieve a perfect balance of a crisp crust, creamy macaroni, and golden, bubbly cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, offering endless possibilities for customization. Give this mash-up a try for your next pizza night—it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.