MAC & CHEESE PIZZA MUFFINS
- WineCheeseScallops
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Imagine the ultimate mashup of two comfort food favorites—creamy mac & cheese and crispy, savory pepperoni pizza—all in one handheld bite! 🍕🧀 These Mac & Cheese Pizza Muffins are the perfect party snack, game-day treat, or fun family dinner. With a crispy pepperoni base, a rich and cheesy macaroni filling, and a golden, bubbly top, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving something deliciously unique, these little cups of joy are guaranteed to be a hit!
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🌿 Oregano – This aromatic herb is the secret behind that classic pizza flavor. Oregano brings a slightly peppery, earthy taste that enhances both the cheese sauce and the pepperoni, making these muffins taste like a bite-sized pizza masterpiece.
🧀 Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth to the mac & cheese. Not only does it melt beautifully into the sauce, but the final sprinkle on top creates a crispy, golden crust when baked—pure cheesy perfection!
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Recipe Inspiration:
These Mac & Cheese Pizza Muffins were born from a craving for something playful yet satisfying. We wanted to combine the creamy richness of homemade mac & cheese with the crispy, salty bite of pepperoni pizza—because why choose between the two? The muffin tin format makes them easy to grab, perfect for kids and adults alike, and ideal for parties or meal prepping. Plus, who doesn’t love a creative twist on classic comfort food?
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice:
1️⃣ Pepperoni Tip – For extra crispy edges, pre-bake the pepperoni slices in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before adding the mac & cheese.
2️⃣ Cheese Choices – Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheddar and provolone for a sharper, more complex flavor.
3️⃣ Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
4️⃣ Make It Meatless – Skip the pepperoni and use a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a vegetarian-friendly version.
5️⃣ Storage Tip – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
6️⃣ Freezer-Friendly – Freeze baked muffins on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
7️⃣ Dipping Sauce Fun – Serve with warm marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra flavor.
8️⃣ Make-Ahead Hack – Prep the mac & cheese a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
9️⃣ Kid-Friendly Twist – Let kids customize their muffins with their favorite pizza toppings—tiny diced peppers, olives, or even pineapple!
🔟 Crowd Pleaser – Double the batch for game-day parties, and watch them disappear!
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What Makes This Recipe Unique? | MAC & CHEESE PIZZA MUFFINS
✅ Handheld & Fun – Perfect for parties, kids' lunches, or meal prep.
✅ Pizza & Mac & Cheese Combined – The ultimate comfort food mashup.
✅ Crispy Pepperoni Crust – Adds crunch and flavor in every bite.
✅ Customizable – Swap toppings, cheeses, or spices to fit your taste.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – Great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
✅ Golden, Cheesy Topping – That irresistible crispy Parmesan crust!
✅ Oven-Baked to Perfection – No frying, just simple, delicious goodness.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch and enjoy anytime.
✅ Crowd Favorite – Seriously, who wouldn’t love these?
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Ingredients:
30 large pepperoni slices, divided
6 Tbs butter
6 Tbs all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan, divided
12 oz elbow pasta
Fresh basil, torn (for garnish)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Cut a small slit in the center of 24 pepperoni slices and press them into the bottoms of two 12-cup muffin tins to form a base. Chop the remaining 6 slices into small pieces and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (about 7 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
3️⃣ Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk continuously until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and ¾ cup of Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add 3 tbsp of reserved pasta water to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
6️⃣ Assemble Muffins: Spoon mac & cheese into the pepperoni-lined muffin tins, pressing down slightly. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and the chopped pepperoni.
7️⃣ Bake: Transfer muffin tins to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and firm.
8️⃣ Serve: Carefully remove muffins from the tins. Garnish with torn basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
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FAQ Section:
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Small pasta like shells or cavatappi works great, as they hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble them a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I use turkey pepperoni?
A: Yes, turkey pepperoni works just as well and has a slightly leaner texture.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy, or use an air fryer for even better results!
Q: Can I add other pizza toppings?
A: Totally! Try mini diced bell peppers, olives, or even crumbled sausage for a custom flavor.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
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Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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