pizza macaroni and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
pizza macaroni and cheese recipe
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The Best pizza macaroni and cheese recipe

I’ve been making pizza macaroni and cheese for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with the savory flavor of pizza sauce and melted mozzarella cheese is a winner.

My kids love it because it’s like a comfort food, but with the added excitement of being a pizza. As a mom, I appreciate that it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit our tastes.

The original recipe comes from an Italian-American cookbook, but I’ve modified it to make it more suitable for our family’s needs. I’ve also added some tips and tricks to make it easier to prepare and cook.

One of the key techniques is using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor. I’ve also found that using a high-quality pizza sauce makes all the difference in this dish.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. It’s also great for leftovers, as the flavors meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

4.8 from 643 votes

A fun fusion of pizza and macaroni and cheese, combining tender pasta with a creamy cheese sauce and classic pizza toppings. This hearty dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Toppings

1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion

For the Topping

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
6Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
8Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then remove from heat.
9Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
10Spread half of the macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11Spoon the pizza sauce over the top, then layer on the pepperoni, cooked sausage, black olives, green bell pepper, and red onion.
12Top with the remaining macaroni mixture and spread evenly.
13Sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
14Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
15Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also substitute your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, ham, or jalapenos.

Watch Video Of How Pizza Macaroni and Cheese Works

This pizza macaroni and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. It’s also great for leftovers, as the flavors meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge.

For storage, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

1. What type of pasta should I use?

The best type of pasta to use in this recipe is macaroni, as it holds onto the cheesy sauce well. Elbow macaroni or shells work well too, but avoid using long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine.

2. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can also try using other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even feta.

3. How do I make sure my macaroni and cheese doesn’t become too soggy?

To prevent your macaroni and cheese from becoming too soggy, make sure to not overcook the pasta before mixing it with the cheesy sauce. Also, use a moderate amount of milk or cream when mixing the sauce to avoid making it too runny.

4. Can I add other ingredients to customize my pizza macaroni and cheese?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite ingredients to customize this recipe! Some ideas include diced ham or pepperoni for added protein, chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor, or even some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare this recipe in advance by making the cheesy sauce ahead of time and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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