Description
This Macaroni and Cheese Pizza combines the comforting creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza. Featuring a homemade or store-bought pizza crust topped with a rich cheese sauce, elbow macaroni, and extra mozzarella and parmesan, this recipe is perfect for a unique and indulgent meal that blends two beloved dishes in one.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Macaroni and Cheese Topping
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or mustard powder
Additional Toppings
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese, for sprinkling
- Extra grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook so the pasta retains a firm bite.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes silky. Remove from heat, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder to enhance flavor.
- Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece evenly, forming the creamy macaroni and cheese topping for the pizza.
- Prepare the Pizza Crust: Roll out the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. For a crispier crust base, pre-bake the dough in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the oven.
- Assemble the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza: Evenly spread the macaroni and cheese mixture over the pre-baked pizza crust. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top to maximize cheesiness.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the crust turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy a gooey, cheesy, comforting delight.
Notes
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, pre-baking the pizza dough is recommended.
- Do not overcook the macaroni to maintain a firm texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer to customize the pizza to your taste.
- If using homemade pizza dough, ensure it is rolled out evenly for consistent baking.
