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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the pizza.
- 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.
- 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.
- Separate a designated portion of cheese sauce for pizza dough spreading. Thoroughly coat the macaroni noodles with the remaining sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Spread pizza dough onto a non-stick pan, pre-baking for 5 minutes to develop a crisp foundation.
- 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