Baked Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole
Love pizza and mac and cheese? This Baked Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole brings both comfort foods together in one irresistible dish. It's creamy, cheesy, and loaded with pepperoni, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers.
This recipe is popular any time of year but especially during colder months when you want something warm and filling. It's also a hit for movie nights, game days, or potlucks because it serves a crowd easily.
This recipe takes classic mac and cheese up a notch by adding all the flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It's the kind of meal you can count on when you want something cheesy, satisfying, and easy to throw together. Serve it with Sourdough Pull Apart Garlic Bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Quick Look
- Prep time: 15mins.
- Cook time: 30mins.
- Servings: 8.
- Main ingredients: penne pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, pasta sauce
- Cooking method: Baked
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serving ideas: Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad
Jump to:
- Quick Look
- Important Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variation
- How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
- Baking Schedule
- 💭Crucial Success Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How To Store Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
- Other Delicious Recipes
- Baked Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Other X Recipes You'll Love
- Hybrid Sourdough Bread (With Yeast)
- 3-Step Sourdough in Under 4 Hours
- Dinkelbrötchen (Sourdough Spelt Rolls)
Important Ingredients
- Penne pasta holds the sauce well and doesn't get mushy.
- Pepperoni adds a bold, pizza-style flavor.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan give it that classic cheesy stretch and salty finish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variation
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne.
- Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or replace it with mushrooms or olives.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in cheddar or provolone for more flavor.
- Kid-friendly: Use mini pepperoni and top with extra mozzarella.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic (Image 1) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Whisk in the flour (Image 2) to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream (Image 3), whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in the pasta sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the pepperoni sauce (Image 4).
Step 5: Mix in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (Image 5). Stir until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan (Image 6).
Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden (Image 7).
Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra pepperoni or herbs if you like (Image 8)!
Hint: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking, it helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Baking Schedule
If you're making this for dinner or a party, here's an easy prep plan:
- 30 minutes before - Boil the pasta and make the cheese sauce.
- 15 minutes before - Combine pasta, pepperoni, and sauce.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
💭Crucial Success Tips
For the best results, make sure not to overcook the pasta, it should be just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy. Use room-temperature milk and cream to prevent lumps when making the sauce, and once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and the flavors come together perfectly.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Penne holds up great, but you can also use elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells.
Absolutely. You can replace it with cooked sausage, bacon bits, or even vegetables for a lighter version.
Add an extra splash of milk or a bit more shredded mozzarella before baking.
How To Store Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a little milk if needed to keep it creamy.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Other Delicious Recipes
- Fast Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Hybrid Sourdough Bread (With Yeast)
- 3-Step Sourdough in Under 4 Hours
- Dinkelbrötchen (Sourdough Spelt Rolls)
If you tried this Baked Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! Happy Baking!
Baked Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pasta sauce your favorite marinara or pizza sauce works great
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup pepperoni slices cut in half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the pepperoni to the sauce.
- Mix in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra pepperoni or herbs if you like!
Notes
- Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or mushrooms for a different twist.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some cheddar or provolone on top before baking.
