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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
