Description
Pizza Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the rich, savory flavors of pizza. Featuring elbow macaroni, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, tangy marinara sauce, and spicy pepperoni, this baked casserole delivers melty, golden perfection perfect for family meals, potlucks, or cozy snacks. Customizable and easy to prepare with pantry staples, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cheesy cravings with a unique, pizza-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 3 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in lightly salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside — perfect pasta texture is the foundation of this dish.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth béchamel. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that classic pizza aroma.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Then fold in chopped pepperoni slices to distribute flavor-packed bites throughout.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly, golden, and irresistibly melty on top.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness after baking.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it perfectly.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top after baking to enhance freshness.
- Experiment with toppings like black olives, green peppers, or pineapple to customize the pizza vibe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg