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Craving comfort food with a twist? This Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole combines two favorites into one mouthwatering dish. Imagine gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and creamy macaroni all baked to perfection. It's perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. Let's get cooking!
Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pizza sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Spread half of the macaroni mixture in a baking dish. Top with half of the pizza sauce and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni mixture, pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Italian Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make pizza mac and cheese casserole
- Elbow macaroni: The base of the dish, providing a chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer that makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor, giving the dish a classic pizza taste.
- Milk: Essential for creating a creamy cheese sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly.
- Butter: Helps create a rich, smooth sauce by combining with flour to make a roux.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, ensuring it clings to the macaroni.
- Pizza sauce: Infuses the casserole with a tangy, tomato-rich flavor reminiscent of pizza.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: Needed to make the cheese sauce by melting butter, cooking flour, and thickening milk.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the flour and milk smoothly without lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Baking dish: Used to layer and bake the macaroni mixture, pizza sauce, and pepperoni.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni, ensuring it's ready to mix with the cheese sauce.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and crisping the pepperoni.
Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole
A delicious casserole combining the best of pizza and mac and cheese.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Pepperoni Slices
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Spread half of the macaroni mixture in a baking dish. Top with half of the pizza sauce and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni mixture, pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Read more: Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake it.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but skip baking.
- Wrap it well with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
For an extra crispy top layer, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions make great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I use a different cheese?
Sure, cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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