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This pizza happened when my kids were having one of their "we want mac and cheese but also want pizza" moments and I was too tired to make two separate dinners. I thought, what if I just put mac and cheese on top of pizza crust? It sounded crazy at the time, but I was desperate and figured the worst that could happen was ordering takeout instead. The result was this incredible combination that tastes like the ultimate comfort food mashup. The crispy pizza crust provides the perfect base for creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
My teenage daughter's friends were over when I first made this, and they literally stood around the kitchen taking pictures of it because they'd never seen anything like it. One of them said it was "the most genius thing ever" and asked if I could make it when she came over next time. Even my husband, who was initially skeptical, ended up eating three pieces and saying it was "actually really good."
What You Need
- Mac and cheese - Either homemade or the boxed stuff works perfectly fine for this
- Pizza crust - I use the premade ones from the grocery store to save time
- Extra cheese - American cheese to make the mac and cheese extra creamy, plus colby jack for the top
- Milk - Just a splash to help everything get nice and smooth
- Olive oil - Brushed on the crust to make it golden and crispy
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mac and Cheese Prep
- If you're using boxed mac and cheese, just make it according to the package directions. If you're making homemade, cook your pasta and make whatever cheese sauce you normally use. Once it's done, stir in those three slices of American cheese along with a quarter cup of milk over low heat until everything melts together and gets really creamy.
- Crust Preparation
- Heat your oven to 450 degrees and brush your pizza crust all over with olive oil. Don't skip this step because it's what makes the crust crispy instead of soggy when you put all that creamy mac and cheese on top.
- Assembly Process
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture onto the oiled pizza crust and spread it around evenly so every bite has good coverage. Don't pile it too thick or it won't heat through properly, but make sure you get good coverage.
- Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese over the entire surface. This creates that golden, bubbly top that makes it look like real pizza instead of just mac and cheese on bread.
- Baking Time
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and starting to get golden brown spots. The edges of the crust should look crispy and golden too.
I learned the cooling lesson after cutting into it right away and having all the mac and cheese slide off the crust in one big mess. Now I always wait a few minutes and it slices perfectly. Also, I tried making it without the olive oil once and the crust was soggy and disappointing.
Perfect Pairings
This is definitely rich enough to be the main event, but a simple green salad on the side helps balance out all that cheese. For drinks, cold milk or lemonade work great with the rich, cheesy flavors. If you want to make it feel more like a complete meal, some steamed broccoli or carrots add color and nutrition.
Creative Variations
Try adding some crispy bacon bits on top before baking for extra flavor. Diced jalapeños give it a nice kick if your family likes heat. Chopped green onions sprinkled on after baking add freshness and color. I've also made this with different types of cheese in the mac and cheese - sharp cheddar makes it more flavorful.
Storage Solutions
This is definitely best eaten fresh and hot, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day and reheated in the oven to crisp the crust back up. Don't microwave it because that makes the crust chewy. You can prep the mac and cheese ahead of time and just assemble and bake when you're ready.
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This macaroni and cheese pizza has become one of our most requested "fun dinner" meals because it takes two things everyone loves and combines them in this unexpected way that just works. It proves that sometimes the craziest ideas turn out to be the most satisfying meals. Every time I make it, people are skeptical until they try it, then they can't stop talking about how good it is. It's become one of those recipes that makes people think I'm more creative in the kitchen than I actually am.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use leftover mac and cheese for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Leftover mac and cheese works perfectly. Just add the American cheese and milk to make it extra creamy and spreadable.
- → What if I don't have a premade pizza crust?
- You can make your own pizza dough, use a flatbread, or even try a tortilla for a thin crust version. Naan bread also works as a quick substitute.
- → How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?
- Make sure to brush the crust with olive oil before adding toppings, and don't make the mac and cheese too liquidy. The oil creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crispy.
- → Can I add other toppings?
- Yes! Try bacon bits, diced jalapeños, green onions, or even some cooked ground beef. Just don't overload it or the crust might get soggy.
- → How long does this pizza keep?
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes to crisp up the crust again.