Save to Pinterest A fun, indulgent fusion of creamy mac and cheese, garlicky Alfredo sauce, and classic pizza flavors, all baked into handheld muffin portions. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a playful dinner.
I first made these Mac and Cheese Alfredo Pizza Muffins for a game night, and they were devoured in minutes. Everyone loved the gooey, cheesy filling and crisp pizza dough crust. They've since become a staple for gatherings and even quick after-school treats.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Alfredo Sauce: ¼ cup store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce, 1 garlic clove (minced), 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Pizza Toppings: ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (optional, omit for vegetarian), ¼ cup diced bell pepper, ¼ cup sliced black olives, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Muffin Assembly: 1 can (13.8 oz/390g) refrigerated pizza dough, olive oil (for greasing), ¼ cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Tin:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add Cheeses & Alfredo:
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add Alfredo sauce, minced garlic, and Parmesan; mix well.
- Combine Pasta & Fillings:
- Fold cooked macaroni into sauce, coating evenly. Stir in mini pepperoni (if using), bell pepper, and olives.
- Prepare Muffin Cups:
- Unroll pizza dough and cut into 12 squares. Press each square into a muffin cup, covering bottom and sides.
- Fill Cups:
- Spoon mac and cheese mixture into each dough-lined cup, filling nearly to top. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until dough is golden and tops are lightly browned.
- Cool & Garnish:
- Cool for 5 minutes. Gently remove muffins, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Making these muffin-style pizzas is a hit with kids in my family—they love helping assemble the dough cups and sprinkling cheese on top. It's a playful way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine for adults, or alongside sliced apples for a balanced kid-friendly meal.
Customization Ideas
Swap in veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition, or substitute mini pepperoni with plant-based sausage to keep it vegetarian.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin contains about 260 calories, 12 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein. Perfectly portioned for snacks or lunchboxes.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy a playful twist on classic comfort food that's just as inviting for parties as it is for lunch. Make a double batch—these always disappear fast!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can these muffins be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bake ahead, then store cooled muffins in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
- → How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply omit mini pepperoni or swap with plant-based sausage or extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms and spinach for hearty flavor.
- → What kind of cheese is best for these muffins?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a rich, gooey texture. Feel free to mix in Parmesan or extra mozzarella for topping.
- → Do I need to use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Store-bought Alfredo works well, but homemade adds a personal touch. Both options yield deliciously creamy results.
- → Any tips for a crispier muffin crust?
Ensure your dough is pressed evenly in each muffin cup. Grease the tin well, and bake until the dough turns golden brown.
- → Are there allergy concerns with these muffins?
They contain wheat and dairy, and some pizza doughs may include egg or soy. Always read labels for specific allergen details.