If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than this Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers! Imagine a golden, chewy pizza crust topped with a luscious layer of creamy, homemade mac and cheese, then finished with a bubbling blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. This quirky, crowd-pleasing dish brings together two beloved classics in a way that’s pure joy for cheese fans and carb enthusiasts alike. It’s a showstopper for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave something fun, filling, and fantastically cheesy.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure that signature cheesy pull, velvety texture, and irresistible flavor that makes this pizza unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Prepared pizza dough: The hearty base that holds all that mac and cheese goodness; use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you want to go the extra mile.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly and bakes up tender on the pizza.
Unsalted butter: The starting point for a rich, flavorful roux; it adds depth to the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every piece of pasta.
Whole milk: The secret to a luxuriously smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold cheesy flavor and vibrant color to the mac and cheese layer.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that essential pizza-style cheese pull.
Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with subtle, savory warmth.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that cuts through the richness.
Paprika (optional): Gives a hint of color and smoky depth; use it if you love a little extra flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that crisps up on top.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers

Step 1: Prepare and Par-Bake the Pizza Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lightly greasing your pizza pan or baking sheet. Roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness and shape—it’s totally fine if it’s rustic! Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, then par-bake for 5–7 minutes. The goal is to firm up the base so it stays sturdy under all that cheesy, saucy goodness without getting soggy later on.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

While your crust is in the oven, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. This means the pasta should still have a little bite to it, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside—the macaroni is about to become the star of your pizza show!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux, cooking for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, making sure there are no lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens, which takes about 4–5 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and (if you like) a dash of paprika for extra color and flavor. Tip in the shredded cheddar and stir until you have a silky, melty cheese sauce that smells like heaven.

Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni into your luscious cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated. This step is what transforms ordinary mac and cheese into a pizza-worthy topping. Don’t be shy—get every noodle nice and saucy!

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Spread your creamy mac and cheese mixture evenly over the par-baked pizza crust, right up to the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top for maximum cheese factor. If you want to really impress, add a sprinkle of extra cheddar or even a few blue cheese crumbles as a twist.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pop your assembled pizza back into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and a bubbling, slightly browned cheese topping. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing—this gives the cheese time to set up and makes for cleaner, gooier slices. Finish with fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to enjoy the magic of Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers!

How to Serve Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers

Garnishes

For a fresh touch and a hint of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over each slice just before serving. A drizzle of hot honey or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a playful kick and balance out the richness for those who love an extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Since Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers is already ultra-rich and filling, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or even a simple tomato-cucumber salad make light, refreshing sides that contrast perfectly with all that cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your pizza into fun shapes (think squares, triangles, or even strips for dipping!) to make it extra appealing for kids or party guests. For a build-your-own twist, set out toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their slice of Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any leftovers, cover the pizza slices tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cheesy pasta layer stays creamy and delicious, and the crust holds up surprisingly well for a next-day treat.

Freezing

Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers freezes beautifully! Cool the pizza completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For that just-baked texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and bubbly. The crust will crisp up nicely, and the cheese will melt right back to perfection. You can also microwave in short bursts, though the oven gives the best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for this recipe, feel free to substitute with small shells, cavatappi, or even penne—just stick to a shape that holds onto the cheese sauce for the best texture on your pizza.

Can I make Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers gluten free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and swap in gluten-free pasta and flour for the sauce. The result will still be fabulously cheesy and satisfying.

Can I add proteins or veggies to the pizza?

Definitely! Crispy bacon bits, diced ham, sautéed onions, or steamed broccoli all make fantastic additions. Just layer them over the mac and cheese before topping with the extra cheese, and bake as directed.

What’s the best way to keep the crust from getting soggy?

Par-baking the crust before adding the mac and cheese ensures it stays firm and chewy. Also, make sure your mac and cheese layer isn’t too soupy—thick, creamy sauce is the secret to a sturdy slice.

Is Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers kid friendly?

Kids absolutely adore this recipe! It combines two of their favorite dishes, and you can even let them help spread the mac and cheese or sprinkle on the toppings for a fun family cooking night.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers, you’re in for a treat that’s as playful as it is comforting. Gather your ingredients, invite a few fellow cheese fans over, and get ready to enjoy one of the cheesiest, happiest dinners you’ll ever serve!

Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza combines two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Featuring a crisp pizza crust topped with creamy homemade mac and cheese and a blend of melted cheeses, this recipe is perfect for cheese lovers looking for a fun and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough

1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Macaroni and Cheese

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape, then transfer it to the prepared pan. Par-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes until it is slightly firm but not browned.
Cook Macaroni: While the crust is baking, cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
Season and Add Cheese: Stir the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika into the thickened sauce. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated, making the creamy mac and cheese filling for the pizza.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread the mac and cheese evenly over the par-baked pizza crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake Final Pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbling and melted.
Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.

Notes

For an extra-cheesy twist, sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles or use a blend of gouda and fontina cheeses.
Adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions can add a savory depth of flavor.
Be sure not to overcook the macaroni, as it will continue cooking during baking.
You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
To make ahead, prepare the mac and cheese and par-bake crust in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American