Mac and Cheese Pizza Recipe

While macaroni and cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pizza, it soon could be after trying this recipe. My husband and I had tried mac and cheese pizza at Politos in Stevens Point, WI, and we knew we had to make it at home, both to beat the cost of eating out and to try to improve an already tasty thing.

Ingredients:

1 or 2 packages of pizza crust mix, or homemade dough

Elbow macaroni

Ragu cheese sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese

Boil the elbow macaroni until tender. We don't have a set amount, but you can adjust it for how many noodles you like on your pizza. We usually boil quite a bit, since we layer the noodles on thick and also save the leftovers for lunch the next day. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Homemade dough is an option, but we use Betty Crocker pizza crust mix. If you enjoy thick crust, I recommend two packages, but one will suffice for anyone who enjoys a medium to thin crust.

Start preheating the oven to 450 degrees, and take out a bowl to mix the crust in. Follow the directions on the crust mix, and I recommend coating the dough with a little vegetable oil after you have it mixed and are ready to let it stand for five minutes. This will help later on when you press it into the pan.

We usually make it in a 9 by 13 pan since we bake a thicker crust, which is contained well by the pan's sides. If you are only using one packet of crust mix, a cookie sheet or pizza pan are also options. Grease the pan and press your dough into it. Make a slight lip around the edges to help keep the toppings from touching the metal, or your cheese will burn to it. Place in oven and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is pulling away from the sides slightly and a little golden brown.

Take the cheese sauce and spread some evenly across the dough, and layer the noodles on top. I recommend enough noodles to completely cover the dough, and then spread some more cheese sauce on. Lastly, sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top and set back into oven for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Cut and enjoy!

This pizza warms up well, but also tastes very good cold.