Pepperoni's signature tang comes from lactobacillus bacteria fermentation—the same process that makes sourdough bread sour.
Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
Dive into a delightful fusion with our Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese! This guilt-free dish combines creamy, high-protein pasta with the zesty goodness of pepperoni and rich mozzarella, creating a cheesy masterpiece that's perfect for meal prep. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a comforting bowl that satisfies both your pizza and mac cravings without the calorie overload!
Prep
10
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
5
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 5🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 55g Chopped pepperoni (1.94 oz)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(4)
- 40g Parmigiano Reggiano (1.41 oz)
- 70g Cheddar cheese (2.47 oz)
- 360g 2% cottage cheese (12.7 oz)
- 600g 1% milk (21.2 oz)
🫙Pantry Staples(2)
- 25g AP Flour (0.2 cup)
- 336g Protein penne (11.9 oz)
🍯Sauces & Condiments(1)
- 120g Marinara sauce (4.24 oz)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Add every ingredient to a large pot, turn heat to medium-high.
- 2
Once bubbling, reduce heat to 3/10, add a lid on top and set a timer for 20 mins.
- 3
Remove lid and stir every 2-3 mins.
- 4
Remove lid and let sit for ~5-10 mins until completely thickened.
- 5
Weigh entire batch, divide by 5, and add to containers of choice or serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cook pasta to exactly 2 minutes under package directions before adding to the cheese sauce, as it will continue cooking and absorb liquid during the 20-minute simmer phase.timing2 minutes under
- ✓Maintain heat at exactly 3/10 (around 200-220°F) to prevent the dairy proteins from breaking and causing grainy texture while allowing proper starch gelatinization.technique200-220°F
- ✓Add pepperoni in the final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent excessive fat rendering, which can break the cheese emulsion and create an oily surface layer.timingFinal 5 minutes
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of aged cheddar to mozzarella for optimal flavor and melting properties, as aged cheddar provides tang while mozzarella contributes superior stretch and creaminess.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Let the finished dish rest uncovered for 8-10 minutes to allow starches to fully hydrate and thicken the sauce to proper nappe consistency (coats the back of a spoon).timing8-10 minutes
Share this recipe
Prep
10
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
5
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Pepperoni's signature tang comes from lactobacillus bacteria fermentation—the same process that makes sourdough bread sour.
Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
Dive into a delightful fusion with our Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese! This guilt-free dish combines creamy, high-protein pasta with the zesty goodness of pepperoni and rich mozzarella, creating a cheesy masterpiece that's perfect for meal prep. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a comforting bowl that satisfies both your pizza and mac cravings without the calorie overload!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 5🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 55g Chopped pepperoni (1.94 oz)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(4)
- 40g Parmigiano Reggiano (1.41 oz)
- 70g Cheddar cheese (2.47 oz)
- 360g 2% cottage cheese (12.7 oz)
- 600g 1% milk (21.2 oz)
🫙Pantry Staples(2)
- 25g AP Flour (0.2 cup)
- 336g Protein penne (11.9 oz)
🍯Sauces & Condiments(1)
- 120g Marinara sauce (4.24 oz)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Add every ingredient to a large pot, turn heat to medium-high.
- 2
Once bubbling, reduce heat to 3/10, add a lid on top and set a timer for 20 mins.
- 3
Remove lid and stir every 2-3 mins.
- 4
Remove lid and let sit for ~5-10 mins until completely thickened.
- 5
Weigh entire batch, divide by 5, and add to containers of choice or serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cook pasta to exactly 2 minutes under package directions before adding to the cheese sauce, as it will continue cooking and absorb liquid during the 20-minute simmer phase.timing2 minutes under
- ✓Maintain heat at exactly 3/10 (around 200-220°F) to prevent the dairy proteins from breaking and causing grainy texture while allowing proper starch gelatinization.technique200-220°F
- ✓Add pepperoni in the final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent excessive fat rendering, which can break the cheese emulsion and create an oily surface layer.timingFinal 5 minutes
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of aged cheddar to mozzarella for optimal flavor and melting properties, as aged cheddar provides tang while mozzarella contributes superior stretch and creaminess.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Let the finished dish rest uncovered for 8-10 minutes to allow starches to fully hydrate and thicken the sauce to proper nappe consistency (coats the back of a spoon).timing8-10 minutes