A delightful fusion that brings together the creamy decadence of mac and cheese with the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (preferably whole milk for creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of pizza toppings, such as sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Begin by cooking the macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden, which helps create a roux that thickens the sauce, ensuring it has a velvety texture.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat, as you don’t want the milk to scald; it should be steaming but not boiling.
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth, creating a deliciously creamy texture that will envelop the pasta.
Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all the macaroni is coated with the creamy goodness.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the mac and cheese, then top with pepperoni slices and an additional layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
