If you are a cheese lover looking for a fun and indulgent twist on two classic favorites, you are in for a treat with this Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe. Combining creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a crispy, golden pizza crust, this dish brings ultimate comfort and loads of flavor in every bite. It’s an irresistible celebration of cheese that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a big hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create rich, satisfying flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role—from the tender pasta adding body to the velvety cheese sauce delivering creamy richness, topped by the melty cheeses that make every slice a dream.
- Prepared pizza dough: Use store-bought or homemade dough as the perfect crispy base.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of your roux, giving the sauce a smooth, buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor that’s essential for that classic mac and cheese taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stringy, gooey pizza topping effect.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the sauce perfectly.
- Paprika (optional): Offers a hint of smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy crust finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish to balance the richness.
How to Make Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Par-Bake the Pizza Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your pizza pan or baking sheet for easy release. Roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness and shape, then carefully transfer it to your pan. Par-bake this crust for about 5 to 7 minutes; it should be firm but not yet browned. This step ensures your crust will stay crisp even under the creamy mac and cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the crust is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. This timing is important to maintain a slight bite once it’s baked on the pizza. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you make the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux, which thickens the sauce and removes the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth without lumps. Cook this mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens nicely. Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika for that layered comfort flavor.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy mixture. Then gently fold in your cooked macaroni, making sure each noodle is well coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Spread the mac and cheese evenly over your par-baked pizza crust. Top it with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, which will add a fantastic golden crust and slightly nutty flavor. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and irresistibly melty.
Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let the pizza cool slightly so the cheese sets up a bit, making slices easier to cut. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh notes before diving in.
How to Serve Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a touch of green and a mild, fresh flavor contrast to your cheesy masterpiece. You can also try chili flakes if you want a little heat or sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
Side Dishes
This pizza is quite rich on its own, so pairing it with light and refreshing sides works wonderfully. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the pizza into small squares as finger food. Serve alongside a flight of wines or craft beers that complement cheese dishes. You could also layer it with some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on top before the final bake for a flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the texture intact while maintaining the cheesy flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked pizzas by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil, storing for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pizza, use an oven or toaster oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8–10 minutes to bring back the crispy crust and melted cheese texture. Microwaving is faster but may result in a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi also work wonderfully, as they hold onto the cheesy sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety, and choose gluten-free flour for the roux to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
For sure! Crispy bacon bits, cooked chicken, or even sautéed sausage bring a tasty hearty addition that pairs great with the creamy cheeses.
How spicy is this pizza with paprika?
The paprika is just a gentle hint of smokiness and color; it is not spicy. You can omit or increase it based on your taste preferences.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Using an oven or toaster oven keeps the crust crispy and cheese melty without drying the pizza, unlike microwaving which can make it soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s fun, comforting, and packed with cheesy deliciousness that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. I encourage you to give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you for the indulgent joy this pizza brings to the table.
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Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza for Cheese Lovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Macaroni and Cheese Pizza combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the crispy, golden goodness of homemade pizza crust. Perfect for cheese lovers and family dinners, this recipe layers rich cheddar and mozzarella over a par-baked pizza dough base, topped with a smooth homemade cheese sauce and elbow macaroni. It’s a delicious twist on two favorite comfort foods, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape, then transfer it onto the prepared pan. Par-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes until it becomes slightly firm but does not brown.
- Cook Macaroni: While the crust is par-baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, typically around 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking the mixture until it thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika for flavor. Remove from heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the par-baked pizza crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese topping is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra-cheesy twist, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles or use a blend of gouda and fontina cheeses.
- Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions on top for additional flavor.
- Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- You can par-bake the crust longer if you prefer a crispier base.
