Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Two comfort food icons—creamy mac and cheese and cheesy pizza—join forces in this indulgent Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. With a crispy crust, gooey macaroni topping, and an extra layer of melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate mash-up of cozy favorites. It’s fun, playful, and guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something over-the-top delicious.

Behind the Recipe

The idea came from those nights when you can’t decide between pizza or mac and cheese. Why not both? The first time I tried it, I realized it’s more than a gimmick—it works. The chewy pizza crust pairs beautifully with creamy pasta, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and wildly satisfying.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Creative pizza toppings have taken over the culinary world, from buffalo chicken to BBQ pulled pork. Mac and cheese pizza became especially popular in the Midwest, often seen in local diners and college-town eateries. It’s comfort food squared, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a cult favorite.

Why You’ll Love Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

• Comfort Food Fusion: Two favorites in one bite.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Add bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Quick & Fun: Great way to use leftover mac and cheese.
• Shareable: Perfect for parties and game nights.
• Cheesy Goodness: Layers of gooey cheese in every bite.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use al dente pasta so it holds texture on the pizza.
2. Bake crust slightly first to avoid sogginess.
3. Add extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
4. Go bold with toppings like crispy bacon or caramelized onions.
5. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowls
• Saucepan (for mac and cheese)
• Rolling Pin (if making dough)
• Pizza Cutter

Ingredients in Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

For the Pizza Crust:

• Pizza Dough: 1 pound (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

• Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups (uncooked)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Milk: 2 cups
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (shredded)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (shredded)
• Salt & Pepper: to taste

For Topping:

• Extra Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (grated)
• Optional: Cooked Bacon Bits, Jalapeños, or Hot Sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

• Crust: Try naan or flatbread for a shortcut.
• Cheese: Use Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack for variety.
• Pasta: Penne or shells work as well as elbows.
• Milk: Use cream for richer sauce.
• Toppings: Add broccoli or spinach for a veggie twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cheddar Cheese: The heart of mac and cheese, cheddar gives the sauce its creamy, sharp bite.

Pizza Dough: Provides the crispy, chewy base that holds the richness of the pasta topping.

Instructions for Making Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 450°F. If using a pizza stone, preheat it inside the oven.
2. Make the Macaroni:
   Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with cooked pasta.
4. Prepare the Crust:
   Roll out dough on a floured surface. Place on pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Pre-bake 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
   Spread mac and cheese evenly over crust. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
7. Finishing Touches:
   Sprinkle with optional toppings like bacon or jalapeños.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice hot and enjoy gooey bites of cheesy perfection.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The crust gives a chewy, crispy bite, the macaroni is creamy and rich, and the cheese topping adds a gooey, golden layer. Each bite is indulgent but oh-so-satisfying.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use leftover mac and cheese for a quick version.
• Add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
• Bake on a pizza stone for the crispiest crust.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overload with pasta—keep it even for balance.
• Avoid overcooking pasta—it softens further in the oven.
• Don’t skimp on cheese—this recipe thrives on gooeyness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 slices
Calories per slice: ~420

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make mac and cheese a day ahead and refrigerate.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture.
• Store slices in an airtight container for 2 days.

How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Serve hot, fresh from the oven, with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. It’s also a great game-day snack.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Pizza Rolls: Wrap slices in dough and bake for cheesy rolls.
• Mac Pizza Bites: Cut into small squares for party appetizers.
• Breakfast Pizza: Add scrambled eggs on top the next day.

Additional Tips

• Brush crust edges with garlic butter before baking.
• Add hot sauce drizzle for a spicy kick.
• Try mini versions using English muffins or flatbreads.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve on a wooden pizza board, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan. Add extra bacon crumbles for drama.

Variations to Try

• Buffalo Mac Pizza: Add buffalo chicken and drizzle with ranch.
• BBQ Mac Pizza: Swap cheese sauce for BBQ sauce and top with pulled pork.
• Veggie Mac Pizza: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Truffle Mac Pizza: Stir truffle oil into cheese sauce for luxury.
• Four-Cheese Mac Pizza: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, and Parmesan.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use boxed mac and cheese?

A1: Yes! Just prepare as directed and spread on the crust.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?

A2: Yes, use GF pasta and crust.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?

A3: Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking.

Q4: Can I use frozen pizza dough?

A4: Absolutely—just thaw fully first.

Q5: How do I reheat it?

A5: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp crust.

Q6: Can I add meat?

A6: Yes, bacon, sausage, or chicken work great.

Q7: Is it kid-friendly?

A7: Definitely—a fun dinner kids love.

Q8: Can I make mini pizzas?

A8: Yes, great for parties or snacks.

Q9: Can I add breadcrumbs?

A9: Yes, sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Q10: How long does it last?

A10: Best eaten fresh but keeps 2 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Macaroni and Cheese Pizza is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—crispy crust, creamy pasta, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s fun, bold, and destined to become a new family favorite. Whether you make it for a casual dinner or a party, this pizza is guaranteed to wow.

Watch How To Make Macaroni and Cheese Pizza