Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza Recipe

Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza Recipe delivers ultimate comfort food, combining a gooey bowl of mac and cheese with a hot slice of cheesy pizza. It’s perfect for those times when you want both. I first tried to make this after my kids only wanted the cheesy pizza from Cicis Pizza during a family buffet night.

A few weeks later, the cravings struck again, but going out didn’t sound good. So, I decided to make it myself. After several messy attempts, I finally created a version that my family loves for pizza night.

What makes it so great? It has creamy, rich mac and cheese on a crispy crust, topped with more melted cheese. It’s comfort food overload in the best way. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and, honestly, better than takeout when it comes straight from your oven. Ready to impress your family with your pizza skills? Let’s get started.

The Cheesy Buffet Pizza You’ve Been Craving

Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza is a popular item at Cicis Pizza, the all-you-can-eat buffet chain known for its unique pizzas. This pizza skips tomato sauce and focuses on comfort food. It features elbow macaroni in a thick, creamy cheddar cheese sauce spread on a soft buffet-style crust.

The pizza is topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, creating a golden, bubbly layer. The crust often has a light garlic butter finish, giving it a savory, slightly crispy edge. The ingredients are simple: macaroni, cheese sauce, pizza crust, cheese topping, and garlic butter crust.

The taste is creamy, buttery, and cheesy, with a soft center and a slightly crispy cheese topping. It’s a flavor kids love, and adults enjoy, too. Availability may vary by location. Some Cicis restaurants serve it all the time, others offer it seasonally, and a few fans say you can request it from a hidden menu.

Prices at Cicis buffets are generally affordable, making it easy to recreate this pizza at home for a similar value.

How This Copycat Stands Apart From the Rest

Cicis Pizza stands out because of its unique texture. They use a special buffet-style dough that stays soft even under heat lamps. This dough is thicker than regular pizza crust and has a soft inside with a slightly crispy bottom. It’s hard to make this at home, but you can try using a drier dough, partially baking the crust, and cooking it on a pizza stone or a sheet pan at high heat.

The nostalgia factor matters too. Cicis’ mac and cheese pizza is my favorite because it’s unexpected. The creamy cheese sauce on the doughy crust combines well, making it highly enjoyable. Buffet pizza chains keep crusts soft yet crispy by baking in bulk on lightly oiled sheet pans. You can replicate this at home with a well-greased pan and the right oven temperature.

The Flavor Secret Most Copycat Recipes Miss

Cicis makes delicious pizza with a special cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Velveeta, which gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture. It is thick enough to stay on the crust without making it soggy.

One important step is brushing garlic butter on the edge of the crust. This step makes a big difference between a good recipe and a great one. After baking, you should brush the crust with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and a touch of Italian seasoning for that savory taste Cicis is famous for.

Using only mozzarella isn’t enough; cheddar is the main source of flavor. A good mix is 70% cheddar and 30% mozzarella to get as close as possible to the original.

Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza Ingredients

For the Macaroni

1 cup elbow macaroni: This type of pasta holds cheese sauce well. Cook it according to the package instructions and drain it carefully. You can also use shells or cavatappi if you prefer.

⅓ cup whole milk: Whole milk adds richness to the sauce. You can use 2% milk, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.

¼ to ⅓ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: This cheese is the main ingredient for your sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese. You can also use about 2 ounces of Velveeta for a smoother sauce.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps keep the sauce creamy. You can use salted butter, but then skip adding extra salt later.

For the Pizza Base

1 pre-made pizza dough ball (about 12–14 inches): Store-bought refrigerated dough saves time. You can also use flatbread or thawed frozen dough.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Brush this on the dough before adding toppings. It prevents sogginess and adds a little crispiness.

For the Cheese Topping

½ cup shredded mozzarella: This cheese melts nicely over the mac and cheese layer, creating a golden, bubbly top.

¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar: Mix this with the mozzarella to enhance the flavor.

1 to 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional): You can dot this on top before baking to add creaminess and help bind the topping. This step is optional.

For the Garlic Butter Crust

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan

Mix these ingredients, then brush them onto the edges of the crust right after the pizza comes out of the oven.

Recommended Tools for This Recipe

1. Medium saucepan: Use this for making the cheese sauce slowly.
2. Large pot: This is for boiling the macaroni.
3. Colander: Use it to drain the pasta quickly and cleanly.
4. Baking sheet or pizza pan: A rimmed sheet pan works best for buffet-style crust.
5. Pizza stone (optional): This gives the bottom an extra-crispy finish.
6. Pastry brush: Use it to apply garlic butter to the edges of the crust.
7. Box grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better.
8. Rolling pin: This helps evenly shape the dough.

How to Make Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza

1. Prepare the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually for 7 to 9 minutes. Make sure the pasta is just past al dente since it will go in the oven later. Drain it well and set it aside. Do not rinse; the starch helps the cheese sauce stick.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm ⅓ cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of butter until the butter melts. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the milk. Add ¼ to ⅓ cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and stir constantly until it melts into a smooth sauce, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is coated.

Let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C). Lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan with cooking spray or olive oil. Roll or stretch your pizza dough to about 12 inches. If the dough snaps back, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature and try again.

Place it on the prepared pan and brush the top with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep the crust from getting soggy.

4. Add the Macaroni and Cheese Layer: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving about ½ inch from the edge. Spread it into a generous but even layer. Press it down lightly to keep it flat on the dough.

5. Add Shredded Cheese Topping: Mix ½ cup shredded mozzarella with ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese layer. If using cream cheese, add small pieces on top now. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden.

Check it after 10 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. The crust should look set and lightly browned underneath.

6. Brush Garlic Butter on the Crust: As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan. Brush this mixture along the edges of the crust immediately.

Letting it rest for 2 minutes before slicing helps the cheese layer set, so it doesn’t slide when you cut it.

Easy Variations on Cici’s Mac and Cheese Pizza

There are many ways to change up this recipe once you know the basic version.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese Pizza: Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the cheese sauce before putting it on the crust. Adding shredded rotisserie chicken on top and drizzling ranch dressing after baking makes it spicy, creamy, and very tasty.

Bacon Mac Pizza: Cook and crumble 3 to 4 strips of crispy bacon. Sprinkle them over the mac and cheese layer before adding the cheese topping. The saltiness and crunch of the bacon go well with the creamy base.

Jalapeño Spicy Version: Slice fresh or pickled jalapeños and place them directly on the cheese topping before baking. The heat from the jalapeños balances the richness of the sauce and adds a nice kick.

BBQ Mac Pizza: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of smoky BBQ sauce over the mac and cheese layer. Then, add shredded chicken and red onion before the cheese layer. This combination is sweet, smoky, and balanced.

Mini Mac and Cheese Pizzas: Use naan bread or English muffins as small bases. Use the same toppings, but make them smaller. These are great for quick lunches or portion control.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free pizza crust and gluten-free elbow pasta. Keep the rest of the recipe the same. The flavor stays good.

Vegetarian Version: The basic recipe is already meat-free. You can add roasted broccoli, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra toppings and more substance.

What to Serve with Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza

Since this pizza is rich and filling, serve lighter sides to balance the meal. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette goes well with the creamy pizza. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great sides and add color to the plate.

For dipping sauces, ranch is the most popular. Buffalo sauce adds extra heat, while garlic aioli offers a smooth flavor. You can also drizzle honey on the pizza, especially with the bacon version; it’s surprisingly good. For drinks, serve sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing option. Kids often enjoy lemonade or iced tea.

If you’re having a buffet, place the pizza on a large cutting board with small bowls of dipping sauces on the side. Cut the slices a bit smaller than usual so people can try multiple pieces. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide

You can store leftover Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

If you want to freeze the pizza, you can keep it for up to 1 month. However, the texture may change when you thaw it. Wrap the slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.

For reheating, the oven works best. Heat it at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soft and the cheese grainy.

You can prepare the cheese sauce and macaroni up to 2 days ahead. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before spreading it on the crust when you are ready to bake.

Nutrition Breakdown Per Serving

Mac and cheese pizza is a rich dish. Two slices of a 12-inch pizza have about 480-520 calories, 18-22 grams of protein, 52-58 grams of carbohydrates, 20-24 grams of fat, and 600-750 mg of sodium. These amounts may vary depending on the type of crust and cheese used.

If you choose a thin crust and reduced-fat cheese, the calories could drop to around 380-420. Adding grilled chicken can boost the protein by about 25 grams. While this is a comforting food, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation.

Making it at home gives you better control over the ingredients. You can use whole milk, real cheese, and a thinner crust for a healthier option. A cauliflower crust with some pasta and extra cheese can also help reduce the carb content.

This Cicis Mac and Cheese Pizza Recipe gives you that creamy, cheesy buffet taste without needing to drive anywhere. It’s easy to make, you can customize it, and it uses simple ingredients you probably have at home.

Once you make the cheese sauce, the rest comes together quickly. If you’re looking for something comforting and satisfying, this recipe is a great choice.