Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Pizza
Indulge in the delicious fusion of two comfort food classics with my Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Pizza! Inspired by the cheesy delights of Cici's mac-n-cheese pizza, this homemade version provides everything you crave: a crispy crust topped with creamy macaroni and rich cheese sauce. Perfect for pizza night or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and filled with flavor, it’s a delightful twist on traditional pizza that will leave you wanting more!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water
1 cup (N/A)
Yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (N/A)
Flour
2 3/4 cups (N/A)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher)
Elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (Cooked until al dente)
Cheese sauce
1 (17 ounce) jar (Ragu Double Cheddar sauce preferred)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Salt and pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, olive oil, salt, and sugar, mixing until well blended.
3
Add the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4
Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a kneading attachment for about 2-3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5
Lightly oil the dough with a small amount of olive oil, place it in a large bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for at least 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6
While the dough rises, cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the cooking pot.
7
Stir in 1/3 of the cheese sauce and butter into the macaroni, mixing until the pasta is coated. Set aside.
8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to fit a pizza stone or baking sheet. Pinch the edges to form a crust.
10
Spread a thin layer of additional cheese sauce over the rolled dough, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the dough is just about fully cooked.
11
Remove the pizza from the oven, layer the cooked macaroni on top, and generously cover it with the remaining cheese sauce.
12
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and fully cooked.
13
Slice and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Pizza?
It is a delicious fusion recipe that combines a crispy pizza crust with creamy macaroni and cheese sauce, inspired by Cici's mac-n-cheese pizza.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the pizza dough?
The dough requires warm water, one package of yeast, flour, olive oil, sugar, and kosher salt.
What type of cheese sauce is recommended for this pizza?
The recipe prefers one 17-ounce jar of Ragu Double Cheddar sauce.
How long should I let the yeast mixture sit?
Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
Knead the dough by hand for 5 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a kneading attachment for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
How long does the pizza dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for at least 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
How should I cook the elbow macaroni?
Cook 1/2 cup of elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What do I mix with the cooked macaroni before topping the pizza?
Stir in 1/3 of the cheese sauce and 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the drained macaroni.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to pre-bake the pizza crust?
Yes, spread a thin layer of cheese sauce over the dough and bake for 15 minutes before adding the macaroni topping.
How long is the final baking time once the macaroni is added?
Once the macaroni and remaining sauce are added, bake the pizza for another 10 minutes until the crust is golden.
What is the total count of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 10 specific ingredients including the dough components, pasta, and sauces.
How much flour is used in the dough?
You will need 2 and 3/4 cups of flour for the dough.
Is there sugar in the pizza crust?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is included in the dough mixture.
Can I use a pizza stone for this recipe?
Yes, you can roll the dough out to fit either a pizza stone or a standard baking sheet.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to ensure it does not stick.
What should the consistency of the dough be after kneading?
The dough should be smooth and elastic after the kneading process is complete.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the dough mixture.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper can be added to taste during the preparation of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as macaroni, pizza, cheesy, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal, and homemade.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is dissolving the yeast in 1 cup of warm water and letting it proof.
How do I prep the dough for its rise?
Lightly oil the dough with olive oil, place it in a large bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before being placed on the pizza?
It should be cooked until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly during the baking process.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What type of salt is preferred for the dough?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can children help make this pizza?
Yes, this is a family-friendly recipe that is easy to make and generally loved by kids.
What gives the pizza its rich cheese flavor?
The rich flavor comes from using a full jar of cheddar cheese sauce layered both under and over the macaroni.
How do I form the crust edges?
Once the dough is rolled out, pinch the edges of the dough to form a raised crust boundary.
Is this a traditional Italian pizza recipe?
No, it is a fusion dish that reimagines traditional pizza by using macaroni and cheese as the primary topping.