One Saturday after a morning of neighborhood gardening, I invited my granddaughter and her friend over for an impromptu lunch. We chatted about summer plans while I emptied a box of macaroni and cheese into a pot. Mid-stir, she asked if we could turn it into pizza. That question took me back to college potlucks where someone always layered mac n cheese over crust as a joke, it never stuck. But friends, this time I decided to lean into the fun.
I brushed store-bought pizza crust with olive oil while the macaroni cooked. The scent of cheese wafted through the kitchen, and my husband peeked over the counter, asking if there would be enough for dinner.
We topped the creamy macaroni with bright orange American cheese slices and a drizzle of milk, stirring until the sauce glistened. My granddaughter arranged the macaroni over the crust, proud of her placement. A sprinkle of colby jack finished the scene, and I waved the pan into the oven, watching it bake to bubbling perfection.
When I brought it to the table, the kids clapped and dove in, utensils flying and big smiles forming. That day I learned that playful ideas can create memories—macaroni and cheese pizza did just that. And everyone went home with cheese on their shirts and stories to tell.
Short Description
A fun twist on comfort food: creamy macaroni and cheese spread over crispy pizza crust, topped with melted colby jack. Quick, cheesy, and kid-approved.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (homemade or boxed)
- 3 slices American cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 premade pizza crust
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup shredded colby jack cheese
Optional Add-Ins
- Bacon bits
- Diced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
Tools Needed
- Medium pot for macaroni
- Spoon for stirring
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven mitts
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 450°F. If you like, place a baking sheet or pizza pan inside to warm.
Step 2: Prepare Macaroni and Cheese
Prepare 2 cups of mac and cheese, following box directions or using your homemade version.
Step 3: Add American Cheese and Milk
Set pot over low heat. Add three slices of American cheese and ¼ cup milk. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Brush Crust
Place the pizza crust on parchment or a pan. Use a brush to coat with ¼ cup olive oil for a crisp, golden base.
Step 5: Spread Mac and Cheese
Evenly spread the creamy mac mixture over the crust, reaching the edges.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the macaroni.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 7–10 minutes, until cheese bubbles and edges are golden. Watch closely—it goes from bubbly to browned fast.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove from oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice into wedges with a pizza cutter.
Step 9: Serve
Slice and serve warm. For extra flavor, add bacon bits, jalapeños, or green onions before or after baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion Creamy mac and cheese meets crispy crust and melty cheeses
Quick & Easy Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy days
Kid-Friendly Combines two favorites into one fun meal
Versatile Customize with add-ins like jalapeño or bacon
Comfort Food Upgrade Familiar, cozy flavors served in a novel way
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy crust if macaroni is too wet
Tip: Drain well before mixing with cheese
Oil dripping off crust from too much olive oil
Tip: Use a light brush, just enough to coat
Uneven cheesing leaves gaps
Tip: Spread cheese evenly or add a touch more
Overbaking can make pizza dry
Tip: Bake until cheese just bubbles—don’t wait for brown spots
Mac sticking to pot when reheating
Tip: Add a splash of milk and stir gently off heat
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve slices alongside a fresh green salad
Add fruit skewers or a crisp slaw for balance
Present on a wood board for casual gatherings
Ideal for pizza parties, lazy weekend lunches, or after-school snacks
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh crispiness
To microwave, cover and heat on medium power for 1 minute—you may lose crispness
To prep ahead, nap the crust with olive oil and keep mac mixture in fridge, spread and bake just before serving
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free crust?
Yes, just choose your favorite brand and follow the same steps.
2. Will this work with vegan cheese?
Yes, use vegan versions of American and colby jack cheese.
3. How spicy is it?
It’s mild by itself. Add diced jalapeños or spicy bacon bits to increase heat.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble, then refrigerate. Bake when guests arrive.
5. Is this good for freezer meals?
Not recommended on the crust. Instead, freeze mac mixture and prepare crust fresh.
Tips & Tricks
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup
Grate your own cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded
Brush the edges of the crust to achieve a golden, crisp finish
Add fresh herbs like parsley before serving for color and aroma
Let pizza rest a minute before slicing to avoid cheese pull
Recipe Variations
BBQ Mac Pizza Brush crust with BBQ sauce, mix smoked cheddar into mac, top with bacon bits
Veggie Lover’s Mac Pizza Stir in roasted bell pepper and mushrooms before spreading mac and cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac Pizza Add cooked chicken bits, buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese crumbles after baking
Final Thoughts
Watching my granddaughter’s eyes light up at her first bite of this mac and cheese pizza reminded me why cooking is a love language. It took familiar ingredients and turned them into something special crispy, creamy, and just plain fun.
I adore how this dish brings generations together, from picky kids to nostalgic grandparents. It’s a comforting, cheesy bridge between old and new that warms hearts as much as tummies. I expect to make it again next weekend—bills in one hand, pizza slice in the other.
Macaroni And Cheese Pizza
Print ThisIngredients
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (homemade or boxed)
- 3 slices American cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 premade pizza crust
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Optional Add-Ins
- Bacon bits
- Diced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 450°F. You can preheat a baking sheet or pizza pan if you like.
Step 2: Make the Mac and Cheese
Cook 2 cups of mac and cheese using a box mix or your homemade recipe.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Milk
Place the pot over low heat. Stir in 3 slices of American cheese and ¼ cup of milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Prep the Crust
Place the pizza crust on a pan. Brush the top with ¼ cup of olive oil.
Step 5: Add Mac and Cheese
Spread the creamy mac and cheese evenly over the crust.
Step 6: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded colby jack cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza
Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let it cool for a few minutes. Then slice with a pizza cutter.
Step 9: Serve
Serve warm. You can add bacon bits, jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor.
