Easy Homemade Mac Cheese Pizza Recipe: Comfort Food Fusion

Melted cheese and carbs create the ultimate comfort food mashup in this mac cheese pizza.

Creamy mac and cheese meets crispy pizza crust in a delightful culinary adventure.

The combination sounds like a dream come true for anyone who loves indulgent dishes.

Layers of gooey cheese stretch across a perfectly golden base, promising pure deliciousness.

Pasta lovers and pizza enthusiasts will find this recipe irresistibly tempting.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of two beloved classics.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right now.

Mac & Cheese Pizza: Cheesy Highlights

• Comfort Food Fusion: Combines two beloved classics – mac and cheese and pizza – into one mouthwatering dish that satisfies multiple cravings at once.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or casual parties where everyone wants something deliciously indulgent and fun to eat.
• Customizable Creativity: Allows home cooks to experiment with different cheese blends, add extra toppings like bacon or vegetables, making each pizza uniquely personal and exciting.
• Kid-Friendly Culinary Adventure: Transforms traditional mac and cheese into a playful pizza format that children will love, encouraging them to enjoy a familiar favorite in a new, engaging way.

What Goes into Mac & Cheese Pizza

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta shape that serves as the hearty base for this comfort food pizza.
• Pizza Dough: Provides the crispy foundation for the mac and cheese pizza.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a stretchy, golden topping.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
• Cornstarch, Water: Used to thicken and stabilize the cheese sauce.

• Cheeses: A combination of different cheeses that contribute to the complex and luxurious flavor profile of the mac and cheese sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking.

Steps to Cheesy Mac Pizza

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Get ready for some cheesy magic!

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in macaroni noodles and cook until they’re tender yet firm.

Drain the pasta, then splash a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking.

Set aside.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Grab a medium pot and melt butter over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Variety of cheeses

Whisk everything together smoothly.

Create a quick cornstarch mixture with water, then blend into the sauce.

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Prep Sauce Portions

Separate out 3/4 cup of cheese sauce for pizza topping.

Mix remaining sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

Step 5: Par-Bake the Crust

Stretch pizza dough onto a non-stick pan.

Pop it in the oven for a quick 5-minute pre-bake to ensure a crispy foundation.

Step 6: Build and Bake Your Masterpiece

Spread mac and cheese mixture across the crust.

Shower with mozzarella cheese.

Slide into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.

Tips for Crunchy, Creamy Pizza Slices

• Use low and steady heat when making the cheese sauce to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes to create a crispy base that won't become soggy from the mac and cheese topping.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or some crispy bacon bits to the mac and cheese mixture for an extra layer of delicious taste.
• Adjust the cornstarch slurry carefully to ensure the cheese sauce reaches the ideal thickness without becoming too runny or too thick.
• Select a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex and rich flavor profile in your mac and cheese pizza.

Fun Mac Pizza Variations

• Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Pizza: Replace regular pizza dough with gluten-free cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made pizza base for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Veggie Mac & Cheese Pizza: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, use almond flour for crust, and add extra vegetables like spinach and bell peppers.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based protein crumbles into the mac and cheese mixture for added protein and enhanced flavor.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Use cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese substitutes to create a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and rich taste.

Serving Mac & Cheese Pizza

Pizza Party Perfection: Unexpected Crowd-Pleaser

• Comfort Food Combo: Serve alongside crispy green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pizza.
• Game Night Star: Cut into smaller squares for easy appetizer-style bites perfect for casual gatherings with friends.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or grilled chicken to add extra protein and enhance flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Complement with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing craft beer to cut through the cheesy goodness.

Storage for Mac & Cheese Pizza

• Store any remaining mac & cheese pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy crust and melty cheese texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the crust soggy and cheese rubbery.
• Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles. Just maintain similar cheese quantities for best results.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love mac & cheese and pizza, so this combination is a guaranteed hit. The creamy cheese sauce and familiar ingredients make it appealing to children.

• How do I prevent the pizza from becoming soggy?

Pre-bake the pizza crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This helps create a crispy base and prevents excess moisture from making the crust soft. Also, don’t overload with cheese sauce.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and replace butter with a plant-based alternative if desired.

Mac Cheese Pizza Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering mac cheese pizza brings comfort food to new heights, blending creamy pasta with crispy pizza crust. Cheese lovers discover a delightful fusion that satisfies cravings and sparks culinary excitement.

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Ingredients

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Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni elbow noodles
• 14 cup butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 12 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pizza Ingredients:

• 2 to 2.5 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, crumbled or shredded
• Pizza dough for 2- 16 inch pizzas

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the pizza.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add macaroni noodles. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, approximately 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to pot, tossing with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Craft the cheese sauce in a medium pot over medium heat. Melt butter first, then incorporate heavy cream, garlic, salt, and selected cheeses. Create a cornstarch slurry using water, then blend into the mixture. Continuously stir until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency with fully melted cheeses.
4. Separate a designated portion of cheese sauce for pizza dough spreading. Thoroughly coat the macaroni noodles with the remaining sauce, ensuring even distribution.
5. Spread pizza dough onto a non-stick pan, pre-baking for 5 minutes to develop a crisp foundation.
6. Distribute the mac and cheese mixture evenly across the pre-baked crust. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the surface. Bake at 400F (200C) for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

• Pick firmer pasta like shells or cavatappi for extra texture and cheese-catching ability.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting and smoother sauce consistency.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help cheese sauce blend seamlessly and prevent clumping.
• Try cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or smoked gouda for deeper flavor profiles.
• Add crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and complexity.
• Keep pizza crust edges slightly thinner to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
• Let pizza rest 2-3 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.
• Consider whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough for dietary alternatives.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley after baking for bright, fresh finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg