Mac and Cheese Pizza

Name: Mac and Cheese Pizza with Crispy Chicharron
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ball pizza dough; 1/4 cup fermented panna; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1/4 cup American cheese, cubed; 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn; 2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 1 cup cooked macaroni; cooking oil, for frying; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 1 handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Mac and Cheese Pizza layers a creamy fermented panna base with three cheeses, fresh jalapeños, and crispy fried mac and cheese chicharron that adds unexpected crunch and comfort-food appeal to traditional pizza.

🌍American 🏷️Mac and cheese pizza 🏷️Pizza 🏷️Mac and cheese 🏷️Jalapeno Cheesy

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by tinekeyounger

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Ingredients

1 ball pizza dough
1/4 cup fermented panna
1 jalapeño, sliced
1/4 cup American cheese, cubed
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
1 cup cooked macaroni
cooking oil, for frying
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
1 handful fresh basil leaves, for garnishoptional

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
On a floured surface, stretch out the pizza dough to your desired size and thickness.
2
Spread the fermented panna evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
3
Top the panna with sliced jalapeños, cubed American cheese, and torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
4
Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
5
Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6
While the pizza bakes, deep fry the cooked macaroni in hot oil until crispy and golden. Drain on a paper towel.
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the crispy macaroni with a sauce made from melted cheddar and heavy cream. Add another sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano and toss to coat.
8
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and slice it.
9
Top the sliced pizza with the crispy, cheesy macaroni mixture.
10
Drizzle with extra cheese sauce if desired.
11
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Fry the mac and cheese pieces just before serving to maintain maximum crispness; they soften quickly once on the warm pizza.
Use fresh mozzarella torn by hand rather than pre-shredded to avoid clumping and ensure even melting.
Add jalapeños before cheese so they soften slightly and release flavor into the fermented panna layer.
Let pizza rest 2-3 minutes after baking before slicing to allow cheeses to set and chicharron to stay crisp.

Substitutions

Fresh mozzarella → low-moisture mozzarella (will melt more evenly, less water release)
American cheese → white cheddar (richer flavor, slightly less creamy)
Jalapeño → calabrian chili (spicier, more complex heat)
Heavy cream → whole milk (lighter texture, less rich sauce)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crust crispness, though chicharron topping is best enjoyed fresh.

Equipment

pizza stone or baking sheet · shallow frying pan or skillet · instant-read thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Common Questions

What is fermented panna and can I substitute it?

Fermented panna is a tangy cultured cream base. You can substitute heavy cream mixed with a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraîche for similar flavor depth.

How do I make the mac and cheese chicharron crispy?

Cook the macaroni al dente, toss with cheddar cheese and cream, then spread on parchment and shallow-fry at 350°F until golden and crispy (3-4 minutes), breaking into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Prepare the dough and cook the macaroni the day before. Assemble and top the pizza just before baking for best texture, especially for the fried chicharron topping.

What temperature should I bake this pizza?

Bake at 475-500°F for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheeses are melted. Check the bottom for crispness; adjust oven rack position if needed.