I still remember when I made Mac and Cheese Pizza. It was a weekend gathering at my best friend Sarah’s place—a time for cozy conversations and indulgent comfort food. Growing up, mac and cheese was my family’s ultimate dish of comfort. My grandmother made the creamiest, most decadent version every Thanksgiving, and to this day, her recipe holds a special place in my heart. But when Sarah suggested combining it with pizza—another childhood favorite—I was both intrigued and skeptical. Could two beloved dishes really come together in such a way that wouldn’t diminish their individual glory? Spoiler alert: they absolutely could, and the result was mind-blowing.
The first time I made this dish, I was immediately transported back to those Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. The creamy mac and cheese, baked to golden perfection, oozed onto the pizza crust, creating a comforting base that paired so well with the crispy edges. The subtle hints of garlic and onion in the mac and cheese added depth, while the mozzarella and Parmesan melted into gooey pools of cheesy goodness. Topped with a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil, it felt like the perfect marriage of Italian pizza night and American comfort food.
When I finally took that first bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper. My friends were raving about it and asking for seconds (and thirds). It was the perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation, a dish that felt familiar yet excitingly different. Since then, it’s become my go-to recipe for gatherings or when I need to satisfy both pizza and mac and cheese cravings in one go.
This Mac and Cheese Pizza has a way of bringing people together—whether it’s to reminisce about childhood favorites or to simply enjoy a creative spin on comfort food. And every time I make it, I feel like I’m honoring both my grandmother’s legacy and my love for pushing culinary boundaries. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying, look no further. This is the recipe you didn’t know you needed in your life, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
How to Make Mac and Cheese Pizza
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni as per package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking, and cook until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and set the mixture aside.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if using a pizza stone. Otherwise, set it to 450°F (230°C) for a baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness. Place it on a lightly greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with olive oil, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over it.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture on top of the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mac and cheese, and season with dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into wedges. Serve and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits or cooked sausage to the mac and cheese mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs well with the rich flavors of the mac and cheese pizza.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have sharp cheddar cheese, you can use mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, try adding roasted pumpkin or butternut squash to the mac and cheese for a seasonal twist. In the summer, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your pizza dough is gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of cheese for the mac and cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses to vary the flavor.
Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I make homemade pizza dough?
Mix flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water to make a dough. Knead until smooth, let it rise, then roll it out. You can find various recipes online for detailed instructions.
Can I add toppings to the pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced green peppers before baking for extra flavor and texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese mixture or sprinkle them on top of the pizza before baking. You can also incorporate hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
Can I use store-bought mac and cheese instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought mac and cheese if you’re short on time. Just ensure it is well-drained and heated before adding it to the pizza.
Mac and Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if using a pizza stone. If not, 450°F (230°C) will work for a baking sheet.
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Brush the pizza dough with olive oil.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Season with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bake the Pizza:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cut into wedges and enjoy your Mac and Cheese Pizza!
