These Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites are the perfect combination of two classic comfort foods. Made with a crispy pepperoni crust, creamy mac and cheese filling, and topped with parmesan cheese, these pizza bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a quick and easy snack.
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- These delicious pizza mac & cheese bites are not only great for party appetizers, and game days, but you also also serve them for lunch or dinner.
- They are easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- The homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and when combined with the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza, it becomes an irresistible treat.
It doesn't matter if you are making this great recipe for your next big game party, or if you are making it for your friends and family, it's always a crowd favorite and even the kids will love these tasty handheld bites.
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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- large pepperoni
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- heavy cream
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly grated Parmesan
- elbow pasta
- Freshly torn basil for garnish
- vegetable spray
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cut a slit into the center of 18 pepperoni slices and place a slice into each hole of a muffin tin that’s been sprayed with vegetable oil. Chop the remaining 4 slices of pepperoni into small pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add flour and whisk until golden. Slowly pour milk in while whisking.
- Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and oregano, and then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan and stir until cheese is melted.
- Then add 2 tablespoons of pasta water to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- While you are making the sauce boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Then drain be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water and add to your sauce mixture.
- Spoon macaroni into pepperoni cups.
- Top with about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and chopped pepperoni.
- Bake until the tops are golden and the macaroni feels firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Allow the pizza bites to rest in the muffin pan and cool slightly before removing. Garnish with fresh basil.
- Remove cups from tin and top with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan before serving.
🥫 Storage
Storage - These pizza bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing - For longer storage, place the cooled pizza bites in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating - To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
📚 Variations
- For this recipe, I used mozzarella cheese to keep that traditional cheesy pizza flavor. However, if you love traditional mac and cheese feel free to use half cheddar cheese and mozzarella in your mac and cheese.
- Instead of making homemade mac and cheese, you could also use any leftover mac and cheese that you have on hand. Just add a splash or two of milk or some extra shredded cheese to make it nice and creamy again. \
- If you are a supreme pizza lover, you can also add diced onions, diced bell peppers, or even mushrooms to your macaroni mixture.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Don't forget to spray your muffin cup with nonstick cooking spray before you add the pepperoni so that it doesn't stick. I like to use olive oil cooking spray for savory recipes like these cheesy pizza bites.
- I recommend that you cook the pasta al dente because it will continue to cook when it's back in the oven.
- You can dip these in a variety of dipping sauces, I like to pair them with pizza sauce or ranch dressing.
🤔 FAQs
Mac and cheese bites are made of mac and cheese and plenty of parmesan. But, this recipe has a fun twist that includes your favorite pizza toppings.
Pizza Hut's mac and cheese is made with elbow macaroni, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
There are many ways to jazz up a box of mac and cheese, but one fun idea is to add your favorite pizza toppings for a unique and delicious twist. You can also try adding cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese for mac and cheese. It has a sharp and tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture of the dish. However, you can also use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere for different flavors and textures.
The most popular mac and cheese is the classic version made with cheddar cheese. It's a staple in many households and often served at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
📗 Related Recipes
- Next time you are looking for an easy new meal idea to make your family check out this Bubble Pizza Bread recipe. Not only is it simple to make, but it's also a fun twist on traditional pizza.
- This Pizza Tater Tot casserole is one of my favorite recipes to recommend to busy moms with young kids because it's always a hit and it's so easy to put together.
- If you love mac and cheese but want to try a dish that has a little protein in it, then next time check out this Tuna Mac and Cheese recipe. It's one of my favorite cheese recipes.
- Another finger food I know you'll love is our Cheesy Spinach Balls recipe. What a tasty way to enjoy your veggies.
🍽 What to serve with Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites
This fun appetizer recipe can served on its own, or alongside some of your other favorite appetizer recipes. My favorites are these Cheddar Cheese Muffins, Sausage Balls, Baked Potato Skins, or even this Spicy Cheese Dipping Sauce.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- Large saucepan
- Muffin pan
- Pasta Pot
- Vegetable spry for muffin pans
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
No matter if you decide to serve this perfect appetizer as a meal on its own or as part of a spread for your next party, everyone is sure to love it! It's savory, satisfying, and easy to make. Plus, you can customize the recipe to your liking! Get ready to whip up these irresistible Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites often because once you try them, you'll never want to snack on anything else.
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
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📖 Recipe
Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 22 slices large pepperoni divided
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ c. milk
- ½ c. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 c. shredded mozzarella
- ¾ c. freshly grated Parmesan divided
- 8 oz. elbow pasta
- Freshly torn basil for garnish
- vegetable spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cut a slit into the center of 18 pepperoni slices and place a slice into each hole of a muffin tin that’s been sprayed with vegetable oil. Chop the remaining 4 slices of pepperoni into small pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until golden. Slowly pour milk in while whisking. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and oregano—season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan and stir until cheese is melted.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, 7 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add 2 tablespoons pasta water to cheese sauce and stir to combine. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add more pasta water as necessary to loosen the sauce.
- Spoon macaroni into pepperoni cups. Top with about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and chopped pepperoni.Bake until the tops are golden and the macaroni feels firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove cups from tin and top with basil and 2 tablespoons Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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