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Pizza Mac and Cheese Bake

Pizza Mac and Cheese Bake
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Pizza Mac and Cheese Bake is a comforting and irresistible dish that blends creamy mac and cheese with classic pizza flavors. Featuring elbow macaroni, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and pepperoni, this bake offers a rich, cheesy texture with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, it’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups warm milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pizza Toppings

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (extra)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente—tender but still slightly firm—then drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
  4. Layer in Pizza Flavors: Spread half of the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with an even layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle pepperoni slices over it. Cover with the remaining mac and cheese mixture.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushiness.
  • Constantly whisk the roux and sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
  • Allow the bake to rest a few minutes before serving to set and make slicing easier.
  • For extra crispiness, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated parmesan before sprinkling on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza mac and cheese, mac and cheese bake, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy recipe, family dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pizza-mac-and-cheese-bake/