Name: Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza-Ultimate Flavor Bomb
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 pizzas
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup butter; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 to 2½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese; Pizza dough for two 16-inch pizzas

Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagin extracte the unparalleled comfort of creamy, cheesy macaroni, baked to golden perfection, now transformed into the star of your favorite handheld delight. Why do we adore this fusion? Because it takes two universally loved dishes and marries them in a way that’s both decadent and surprisingly harmonious. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, a nostalgic embrace of childhood favorites elevated to a gourmet level. What truly makes this Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza so special is the thoughtful layering of textures and flavors. The chewy pizza crust provides a sturdy base for the rich, velvety mac and cheese topping, while a sprinkle of crispy breadcrum extractbs or extra cheese adds a satisfying crunch. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of indulgence and pure culinary joy, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
2 to 2½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
Pizza dough for two 16-inch pizzas

Preparing the Macaroni Base

Cooking the Macaroni

Let’s get started by cooking our macaroni noodles. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add your 1 pound of elbow macaroni noodles. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This little trick helps prevent the noodles from sticking together as they cook, ensuring a beautiful, separated pasta base for our pizza. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente – that means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. We don’t want mushy noodles here, as they’ll continue to cook slightly when they hit the oven.

Draining and Setting Aside

Once the macaroni is perfectly cooked, carefully drain it in a colander. You can give it a quick rinse with cool water if you like, but it’s not strictly necessary. The goal is to remove excess starch. Set the drained macaroni aside in a large bowl. This will be the foundation of our incredibly cheesy mac and cheese layer.

Creating the Creamy Mac and Cheese

Melting the Butter and Sautéing Garlic

Now, let’s build that luxurious cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add in the 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, until it’s fragrant and just begin extractning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor to our sauce. We want that sweet, aromatic garlic essence.

Adding the Cream and Cheese

Pour the 2 cups of heavy cream into the saucepan with the garlic and butter. Stir gently and bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens. Reduce the heat to low, and gradually whisk in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Next, add the 1 teaspoon of salt, adjusting to your taste preferences. Continue to stir until the sauce is velvety and has a beautiful consistency. This creamy, rich sauce will coat every single noodle.

Combining Noodles and Sauce

Gently add the cooked and drained macaroni noodles to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula until every single noodle is generously coated in the luscious cheese sauce. Make sure there are no dry spots. This mixture should look incredibly decadent and inviting. This is the heart of our Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza – a creamy, cheesy, perfectly seasoned mac and cheese ready to top our pizza crust.

Assembling and Baking the Pizzas

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified by your pizza dough package, or if you don’t have specific instructions, aim for a high heat, typically between 425°F to 475°F (220°C to 245°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving a perfectly crisp pizza crust. Lightly flour your work surface and your hands. Take your two portions of pizza dough and gently stretch or roll each one out into approximately 16-inch circles. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few minutes and try again. It’s important to get an even thickness for consistent baking.

Adding the Mac and Cheese Topping

Carefully transfer each pizza dough circle to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper placed on a baking sheet. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to slide the pizzas into the oven. Now, take your prepared mac and cheese mixture and evenly distribute it over each pizza dough, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust. Don’t be shy with the mac and cheese – we want a generous, thick layer. Spread it out as evenly as possible.

Adding the Mozzarella and Baking

Once the mac and cheese is distributed, sprinkle the 2 to 2½ cups of shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the mac and cheese layer. Make sure to get good coverage for that ultimate cheesy pull. If you have any extra Parmesan cheese, you can sprinkle a little more on top for an extra flavor boost. Carefully slide your pizzas onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the recipe for the incredibly delicious Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza! This dish truly lives up to its name, combining the comforting creaminess of homemade mac and cheese with the irresistible crispness of a pizza crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a fun weekend project. We hope you enjoy making and devouring this cheesy masterpiece as much as we do!

This Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, or a side of garlic bread for extra indulgence. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Consider adding crispy beef bacon bits, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even some caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. Whatever you choose, this pizza is a guaranteed win.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time for the Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the pizza, simply reheat the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before spreading it over your pizza crust.

What kind of cheese is best for the Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza?

While the recipe suggests a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for excellent flavor and meltability, feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby, fontina, or even a smoked gouda can add wonderful depth. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and complement each other.

Is this recipe kid-friendly for the Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza?

Definitely! Kids absolutely love mac and cheese, and pizza is a universal favorite. This Ultimate Mac & Cheese Pizza is a guaranteed hit with younger palates. You can even let them help with spreading the mac and cheese and adding their favorite toppings.