Combining two classic comfort food favorites, this Macaroni Cheese Pizza brings together the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza. Perfect for a fun dinner, family meal, or special occasion, this dish delivers on both flavor and indulgence.

Macaroni Cheese Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best: Combining two favorites—pizza and mac and cheese—creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
Cheesy and Creamy: Loaded with melty cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, this pizza is a cheese lover’s dream.
Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings, jalapeños, or make it vegetarian with fresh veggies.
Perfect for Sharing: With 6-8 servings, this pizza is ideal for family dinners, parties, or just a casual night in.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Mac and Cheese:

1 pound elbow macaroni
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
4 cups (about 1 pound) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional:

¼ cup breadcrumbs for topping
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In the same bowl with the foamy yeast mixture, add the flour and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spoon or your hands.
Add Olive Oil: Once a shaggy dough forms, add the olive oil and mix until incorporated.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour or water as needed.
Let It Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Make the Mac and Cheese:

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Gradually add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using), stirring until smooth and creamy. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese for topping the pizza.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Pizza:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-14 inch circle (or your preferred shape).
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
Spread the Mac and Cheese: Spread the macaroni and cheese evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the macaroni and cheese. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for extra texture.

Bake the Pizza:

Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including dough rise time)

Variations

Toppings: Customize the pizza with your favorite toppings like caramelized onions, or jalapeños.
Vegetarian Option: add fresh veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef to the pizza for extra protein.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze leftover pizza slices wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Just follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before spreading it on the dough.

Can I add other types of cheese?

Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella for extra meltiness or blue cheese for a tangy twist.

How can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure the macaroni is gluten-free (if using store-bought).

Can I add a tomato sauce base to the pizza?

For a fun twist, you can add a thin layer of tomato sauce before spreading the mac and cheese, turning it into a hybrid pizza!

Conclusion

The Macaroni Cheese Pizza is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining two classic dishes into one mouthwatering creation. With its cheesy, creamy filling and perfectly baked crust, this pizza will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or something indulgent for a party, this pizza is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

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