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This whole thing came together when my kiddos begged for both mac and cheese and pizza in the same meal. I didn't have the energy to whip up two dinners, so I figured, why not just toss the mac right on top of a pizza crust? Honestly, it sounded kind of wild, but I was too tired to care and figured if it went wrong, I'd just grab takeout. Turns out, it totally worked—the crunchy crust is just right with the gooey, cheesy mac layered on top. Everything bubbles up in the oven and you get this cozy, mashup comfort food that hits the spot.
The first time I made this, my teen's friends were over and they couldn't stop snapping pics. No one had tried anything like it before. One of them even told me it was "pure genius" and asked if I could make it next time she came. Even my husband, who was pretty unsure at first, ended up eating a bunch and saying he actually loved it.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Olive oil - Brush it on the crust to get that awesome crunch and color
- Milk - You just need a little bit to make everything super smooth and creamy
- Extra cheese - Toss in some American to up the creaminess, and colby jack for a gooey finish on top
- Pizza crust - The ready-made ones from the supermarket make this a breeze
- Mac and cheese - Totally fine to use boxed or homemade—whatever you’ve got works
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Simple How-To Steps
- Baking Time
- Pop your creation in the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, just until you see golden patches on the cheese and the edges start looking crispy.
- Cheese Topping
- Scatter shredded colby jack all over, so you get those bubbly, toasted bits on top that make it look extra good.
- Assembly Process
- Spread your creamy mac evenly over the olive oil-brushed crust. Don’t layer it on too thick or it won't warm up properly. Aim for even coverage on every slice.
- Crust Preparation
- Set your oven to 450 and brush the crust with olive oil. Don't skip this—it's the secret for getting it crispy so your pizza doesn't get soggy underneath the cheese.
- Mac and Cheese Prep
- If you’re using a box, just make it as the box says. If you like yours homemade, cook the pasta and melt your usual cheese sauce. Once it’s ready, stir in three slices of American cheese and a quarter cup of milk while it’s still warm—keep it on low so everything melts together and gets super creamy.
I used to cut into this right away before it cooled and would end up with the whole topping sliding right off. Now I always wait a bit and it cuts way better. Oh, and the time I skipped olive oil? Total letdown—the bottom just got soft and wasn't good.
Awesome Sides
This one's definitely filling, so keeping it simple with a fresh green salad is a nice way to balance all that cheese. For drinks, ice-cold lemonade or milk go great with that cheesy bite. If you’re looking to add some color and a little health boost, steamed carrots or broccoli totally work as a side.
Awesome Twists
Before you bake it, toss on some crisp bacon if you want extra flavor. If you like a little spice, diced jalapeños are awesome here. You can also throw chopped green onions over the top once it’s baked for color and a fresh bite. Sometimes I swap the cheese in the mac with sharp cheddar for an extra flavor punch.
Leftover Ideas
Honestly, this is best hot out of the oven, but if there’s any left it’ll keep in the fridge for about a day. Heat it back up in the oven so the crust gets crunchy again—don't use the microwave, unless you want chewy crust. You can get the mac and cheese ready ahead, then just assemble and bake whenever you’re set to eat.
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People ask for this fun dinner all the time now because it combines two favorites in a really unexpected way that just clicks. It goes to show that sometimes tossing together things that seem random can make the best meals. Every time I serve it, folks are doubtful until they take a bite, and then all they want to do is talk about how good it is. It makes me look way more creative in the kitchen than I actually am.
Recipe FAQs
- → Could I use leftover mac and cheese?
- Of course! Just stir in a bit of milk and some extra American cheese to make it creamy enough to spread.
- → What can I use if I don’t have pizza crust ready?
- Homemade dough is one option or grab naan, flatbread, or even tortillas for a thinner base.
- → How do I avoid ending up with a soggy pizza?
- Brush a thin layer of olive oil on the crust before adding the mac and cheese. Keep the mac mixture thick rather than runny.
- → Are other toppings okay to add?
- Sure! Bacon, sliced jalapeños, or ground beef work well. Just keep it light so it doesn’t weigh the crust down.
- → How long is it good for after baking?
- You can refrigerate leftovers for about 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to bring back the crispiness.