Ingredients:

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 cup Warm Water (105–115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni (or Cavatappi)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (warmed slightly)
  • 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack Cheese (grated)
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper: To taste
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (low moisture)
  • ¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Melted Unsalted Butter

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Knead until smooth (about 5-7 minutes). Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled (approx. 1 hour).
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain immediately and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux & Bechamel): Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk until the sauce thickens smoothly.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, mustard, and paprika. Season well with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Mac & Cheese: Gently fold the undercooked macaroni into the finished cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Prepare the Crust: Punch down the risen dough. Press or roll the dough into a circle suitable for your 9-inch deep-dish pan or 10-inch cast iron skillet, ensuring coverage up the sides (about 1 inch).
  7. Build the Pizza: Spread the entire macaroni mixture evenly over the prepared pizza dough base, leaving a small border uncovered.
  8. Add Topping: Scatter the shredded Mozzarella over the mac and cheese. Combine Panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
  9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot throughout.
  10. Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing to help the filling set.