Description
This Macaroni and Cheese Pizza combines the comfort of creamy, cheesy macaroni with the crispy, golden goodness of a classic pizza crust. Featuring a homemade cheese sauce blended with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, this unique twist on pizza is baked to perfection with a luscious macaroni topping that melts into gooey delight. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe promises a flavorful and fun fusion of two beloved dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Macaroni and Cheese
- 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
Topping
- 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 the pasta and set aside, making sure not to overcook so it maintains a firm bite.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optionally paprika or mustard powder for an extra flavor kick.
- Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat each piece evenly, creating the creamy macaroni and cheese topping.
- Prepare the Pizza Crust: Roll out the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. For a crispier base, pre-bake the crust in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Assemble the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza: Spread the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top to enhance cheesiness.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the full gooey, cheesy delight of your macaroni and cheese pizza.
Notes
- Do not overcook the macaroni to prevent soggy texture on the pizza.
- Pre-baking the crust helps achieve a crispy base that holds up well to the creamy topping.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust.
- Feel free to swap whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version of the cheese sauce.
- Leftover pizza can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
