Description
This Mac and Cheese Pizza combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious dish. Creamy homemade mac and cheese is layered over a crispy pizza crust, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and seasoned with Italian herbs for a flavorful twist. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux without browning.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated. Set this mac and cheese mixture aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if you plan to use a pizza stone, or 450°F (230°C) if using a baking sheet.
- Roll Out Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and size.
- Prepare the Baking Surface: Transfer the shaped dough onto a lightly greased pizza stone or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Brush Dough with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to help create a golden crust.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough to create the pizza’s cheesy base layer.
- Top with Mac and Cheese: Evenly spoon the prepared mac and cheese mixture over the mozzarella layer, spreading it out gently.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Scatter the grated Parmesan cheese over the top to add extra flavor and richness.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the assembled pizza for aromatic and spicy notes.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set the toppings.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into wedges and enjoy this indulgent Mac and Cheese Pizza while warm.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough based on convenience.
- For extra crispiness, preheat the pizza stone in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese types to your preference for a customized flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased depending on your spice tolerance.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
