Mac and Cheese Pizza (2024)

There’s no getting around it: Mac and cheese pizza is exactly what it sounds like, just as indulgent and cheesy as you’d imagine it to be. But don’t be mistaken. This recipe isn’t just two quick comfort food recipes thrown together willy-nilly. It’s a careful and loving layering of carbs to make one delicious dish that just about everyone will love.

You start with pizza crust seasoned with olive oil and dried herbs, then top it with cheese, and add cooked pasta mixed with even more cheese. Oh, we almost forgot to mention. There’s bacon, too. When pulled hot from the oven, the pizza is a big, beautiful, cheesy creation with bite and texture.

We’re not entirely sure who invented mac and cheese pizza. Our money is on college students looking for sustenance during an all-night studying session, or maybe a couple of kids left to their own devices to make an after-school snack. Whoever it is, we owe them a big thank-you for combining the glory of mac and cheese recipes and pizza recipes into one masterful creation.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Pizza

• Elbow macaroni: If you want to use another type of pasta, choose small or medium shapes that will cover the pie well and hold the melted cheese. Shells, rotini, penne and gemelli are all great choices.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds lots of flavor and melts well. Use sharp or mild to your taste. A layer of American cheese slices make a creamy base, and mozzarella and Velveeta create the melty, gooey cheese blend. If you have Velveeta left over, we have some great Velveeta recipes to use up the extra.
• Pizza dough: Look for premade, frozen pizza dough, and let it thaw, or use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough. You can also make your own homemade pizza dough; just make enough for a 14-inch pie.
• Bacon: The salty, smoky taste of bacon is sooo good on this pizza.

Directions

Step 1: Make the pasta

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the macaroni in boiling water until it’s done. Drain the pasta well, and hold it aside.

Editor’s Tip: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente so it won’t get too mushy when it’s cooked on the pizza later.

Step 2: Prepare the crust

Press the pizza dough into a lightly oiled 14-inch pizza pan. Brush the crust with oil, and sprinkle with rosemary. Top evenly with the American cheese.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a round pizza pan, use a large baking sheet instead.

Step 3: Finish assembling the pizza

Mix together the shredded mozzarella, Velveeta cheese and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture on the pizza. In a bowl, toss together the remaining cheese mixture with the cooked pasta, plus the crumbled bacon and oregano. Spread the pasta-cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust.

Step 4: Bake the pizza

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

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Mac and Cheese Pizza Variations

• Try different meats: Bacon is delicious, but you can also use sliced pepperoni, diced ham or spicy sausage. They’re all great with the mac and cheese.
• Add veggies: Try diced peppers, chopped onion, sliced tomatoes or broccoli florets. Sliced mushrooms are also very tasty with this cheesy pizza.
• Add some sauce: A classic pizza sauce works great, as does Buffalo sauce, garlic butter or even a thin layer of ranch dressing.

How to Store Mac and Cheese Pizza

We seriously doubt that there’ll be any leftovers, but if a few slices do survive, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to three or four days. To reheat pizza, put the slices in a low oven or toaster oven until they’re warmed through.

Can you freeze mac and cheese pizza?

Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese pizza. For the best results, bake the plain pizza crust for about five minutes, until it’s puffed and lightly browned in spots. Let the crust cool, then assemble the pizza with the pasta and cheeses as outlined in the recipe. Wrap the pie in plastic and aluminum foil, and lay flat on a baking sheet in the freezer. Transfer the frozen pizza to a freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

To cook the frozen pizza, bake it in a 400° oven (no need to thaw it) until the crust is browned and the toppings are hot and melted. You may need to add on a few minutes to the original cook time.

Mac and Cheese Pizza Tips

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What other types of cheese work for mac and cheese pizza?

A blend of cheeses works best in this recipe. We use cheeses that melt well and those that have lots of flavor. American, Gruyere, provolone and raclette all melt very smoothly. Add to these flavorful cheeses like grated Parmesan, cheddar flavored with herbs, hot peppers or garlic, smoked Gouda, feta and pepper Jack.

What can you serve with mac and cheese pizza?

As if you needed anything else, there are lots of sides you can serve with mac and cheese pizza. Get in some greens with any one of these side salad recipes, or grill, roast or steam Broccolini or asparagus. And if you’re always seasoning your mac and cheese or pizza with hot sauce, you can try Sriracha or one our Test Kitchen’s picks for the best hot sauce.

Watch How to Make Amazing Mac and Cheese Pizza