Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two favorite comfort foods in one dish
- Rich, cheesy, and packed with pizza flavor
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for family meals or casual dinners
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Great for leftovers and reheating
- Can be made on the stovetop or baked for a crispy topping
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
elbow macaroni
butter
all-purpose flour
milk
mozzarella cheese, shredded
cheddar cheese, shredded
parmesan cheese, grated
pizza sauce
pepperoni slices
green bell pepper, diced
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
extra mozzarella cheese, for topping
pepperoni slices, for topping
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, minced garlic, italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated with the cheesy pizza sauce.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and pepperoni slices.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with extra mozzarella cheese and additional pepperoni slices.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
You can customize this dish with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, sausage, or cooked bacon.
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Use different cheese blends such as provolone or fontina for extra depth of flavor.
For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
You can also skip the baking step and serve it straight from the stovetop for a quick creamy meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without baking it?
Yes, the dish can be served directly from the stovetop without baking.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni works best, but shells, rotini, or penne also work well.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly and saves time.
What cheese works best for pizza mac and cheese?
Mozzarella provides the classic pizza flavor, while cheddar adds richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the pepperoni and use vegetables as toppings.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use different meats?
Yes, sausage, cooked ground beef, or chicken are great alternatives.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and olives work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead and bake it just before serving.
What sides go well with pizza mac and cheese?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
Pizza Mac and Cheese is a delicious mash-up of two comfort food favorites, combining creamy pasta with bold pizza flavors. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, this dish is a fun and satisfying meal that brings together cheesy goodness and classic pizza toppings in every bite.
PrintPizza Mac and Cheese
Pizza Mac and Cheese is a fun comfort food mash-up that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with bold pizza flavors. Loaded with melty cheese, savory pizza sauce, pasta, and classic toppings, it’s a satisfying family-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Extra mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Pepperoni slices, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and pepperoni slices.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with extra mozzarella cheese and additional pepperoni slices.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add toppings such as mushrooms, olives, sausage, or cooked bacon for variety.
- Include crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Use cheese blends like provolone or fontina for deeper flavor.
- Skip the pepperoni and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- The dish can be served directly from the stovetop without baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
