Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Mac and Cheese Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 83 reviews

This Mac and Cheese Pizza recipe combines the creamy comfort of homemade mac and cheese with the crispy, cheesy delight of a golden-baked pizza crust. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, it’s topped with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, plus a crunchy buttery panko topping for extra texture and flavor.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese

  • 1½ cups (150 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ½ tsp (1.5 g) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp (0.5 g) black pepper
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Pizza Base and Toppings

  • 1 lb (454 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tbsp (4 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch (30 cm) pizza pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Melt Cheddar Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Prepare Pizza Dough: Roll or stretch the refrigerated pizza dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle or rectangle and transfer it to the prepared pizza pan. Lightly brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to promote browning.
  8. Assemble Pizza: Evenly spread the mac and cheese mixture over the pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.25 cm) border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted unsalted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to add a crunchy topping.
  10. Bake Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For extra browning on top, broil the pizza for 1 to 2 minutes—watching carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm for a delightful cheesy meal.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the macaroni is cooked just to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
  • The parsley garnish adds a fresh pop of color and brightness but is optional.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
  • Leftover pizza can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pizza
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/mac-and-cheese-pizza-recipe/