Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza

This ultimate mac & cheese pizza combines two comfort food favorites into one indulgent dish that's perfect for pizza night, game day gatherings, or anytime you want to impress guests with something unique. The creamy homemade cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a luxurious topping for a crispy pizza crust.

I created this recipe when my niece and nephew were visiting for the weekend. They couldn't decide between mac and cheese or pizza for dinner, so we combined them both. Now it's requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: Forms the foundation of this pizza topping. Look for quality pasta that holds its shape well when cooked.
• Heavy cream: Creates the rich base for the cheese sauce. Full fat works best for the creamiest result.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. Freshly grated provides the best meltability.
• Butter: Enriches the sauce with a silky texture. Use unsalted to control the salt level.
• Garlic: Infuses the cheese sauce with subtle aromatic notes. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste.
• Whole milk mozzarella cheese: Gives that perfect pizza stretch. Fresh mozzarella works beautifully if available.
• Pizza dough: Creates the perfect base. Store bought works fine, but homemade adds extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking of your pizza. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to preheat.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to flavor the pasta from within. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes or according to package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later. Drain thoroughly, return to the pot, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Create the Cheese Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely until it starts to bubble but not brown. Pour in the heavy cream and add the garlic and salt. Stir constantly as you add the parmesan cheese, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then pour into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Reserve approximately 3/4 cup of the cheese sauce in a small bowl for the pizza base. Pour the remaining sauce over the cooked macaroni and fold gently until every noodle is coated in the creamy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare the Pizza Base:

Roll or stretch your pizza dough into two 16 inch rounds on floured surfaces or directly onto nonstick pizza pans. Prick the surface lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling, then prebake the crusts for 5 minutes until they just begin to set but not brown.

Assemble and Bake:

Remove the partially baked crusts from the oven. Spread the reserved cheese sauce evenly over both crusts, creating a thin layer that will help the mac and cheese adhere. Distribute the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over both pizzas, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust achieves a golden brown color.

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The secret to this recipe's success is the homemade cheese sauce. I discovered that adding a touch of cornstarch creates that perfect creamy texture that holds together on the pizza without becoming watery. My daughter always asks for extra cheese sauce on the side for dipping her crust.

Make Ahead Options

This mac and cheese pizza works beautifully as a make-ahead meal. Prepare the mac and cheese up to two days in advance and store refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to assemble, warm the mac and cheese slightly before spreading on the pizza crust. This method actually allows the flavors to develop even more intensely.

Flavor Variations

Transform this basic recipe by adding creative toppings or mix-ins. Try crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms mixed into the mac and cheese. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese pizza makes an excellent variation by adding shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce before the final cheese layer.

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Serving Suggestions

This indulgent pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect peppery contrast. For beverage pairings, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or for beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager complements without overwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought mac & cheese instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought mac & cheese as a time-saving alternative. However, the homemade version provides a creamier texture and richer flavor that complements the pizza dough better. If using pre-made, consider adding a bit of extra cheese to ensure it doesn't dry out during baking.

→ What type of pizza dough works best for this dish?

Both homemade and store-bought pizza dough work well. For best results, choose a medium-thickness dough that can support the weight of the mac & cheese topping without becoming soggy. Pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes helps create a barrier that keeps it crisp.

→ Can I add additional toppings to the mac & cheese pizza?

Absolutely! Popular additions include crispy bacon bits, sliced jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions, or even buffalo chicken. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza, as the mac & cheese topping is already substantial.

→ How do I prevent the macaroni from drying out during baking?

The key is ensuring your cheese sauce is adequately creamy and reserving some sauce to spread directly on the pizza dough as directed. Another tip is to slightly undercook the pasta (more al dente than you'd normally prefer) as it will continue cooking in the oven.

→ Can this pizza be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the mac & cheese component up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature before assembling the pizza. The assembled pizza is best made fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover mac & cheese pizza?

For the best texture, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through. This maintains the crispy crust better than microwave reheating, which can make the crust soggy. If using a microwave, heat on medium power and consider placing the slice on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.