Frozen single-serve macaroni and cheese is a favorite in my household and offers a quick comfort food option. With just a few ingredients it is transformed into a whole new dish, Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese. It takes no more time for this frozen mac hack and it will become a new favorite for school lunches and fast dinners alike.
This post is sponsored as part of Boulder Locavore’s ongoing partnership with Udi’s Gluten Free. All opinions are my own.
We are big mac and cheese eaters and I’ll confess I don’t always make it from scratch. Busy kids, busy life, you know? The good news is that there are great gluten-free single serve mac and cheese options that my kids can make myself that taste great. I too love mac and cheese and appreciate having frozen single-servings in the freezer for some spur of the moment comfort food.
Today I’m sharing a secret from a lazy mom (I’m actually not lazy at all but do love to be practical about the time I have on busier days; sound like I’m rationalizing?!). You can easily transform frozen mac and cheese into something completely different with little effort, getting a bit ‘wow’ for the end result. A favorite of ours is Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese! Sound good? My son said it tastes like fresh pizza mac and cheese and I agree.
My goal when turning regular mac and cheese into something new is that it won’t take any more time than preparing the mac and cheese does (that lazy thing again). This recipe includes chopped pepperoni, canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning, chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella (I buy it pre-grated; now I am really showing my lazy mom cards….). Mixed into the prepared (microwaved) single serve mac and cheese, it becomes a whole new dish.
With Udi’s Gluten Free single serve mac and cheese the macaroni comes out creamy with supple macaroni pasta that stays intact. If you didn’t know it was gluten-free you’d never guess it!
Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese is easy to make multiple portions quickly and feel great about serving up a wholesome gluten-free meal. It would be an excellent choice for lunchbox thermoses for back to school as well as a fast dinner.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese
Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese
Frozen single-serve macaroni and cheese is a quick, comfort food that cooks up in just a few minutes in the microwave. Dress it up with favorite pepperoni pizza ingredients to transform it into something truly special without taking more time!
Ingredients
- 1 package Udi's Gluten Free Mac & Cheese (single serve)
- 1/4 cup Canned diced Tomatoes with Italian Herbs drained
- 1/4 cup Pepperoni chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
Prepare the single serve mac and cheese as instructed for the microwave on the package.
While the mac & cheese sits for the specified time after cooking, prepare and combine the tomatoes, pepperoni and fresh basil in a small bowl. Stir in the mac & cheese and top with the mozzarella cheese. Return to the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt the mozzarella cheese and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If diced tomatoes with Italian herbs are not available, use regular canned diced tomatoes and sprinkle with a 1/2 teaspoon of Italian herbs (or to your taste).
Dawn Nieves says
This looks mouthwatering. I want a bowl right now. I love macaroni and cheese and so do my kids but this, This takes it to a whole new level! I can’t wait to try this!
Sadie Roach says
This is definitely a comfort food that I could devour! I don’t have a ton of time to cook a meal but I think we’ve all got 5 minutes to spare. Thanks for sharing.
Carol Jones says
OMG WHAT? Why haven’t I thought of this?! My kids LOVE mac & cheese and pepperoni, this is perfect!!
melissa chapman says
Another gluten free success story, which will always help people who need this. I am not gluten free but the idea of pepperoni pizza mac and cheese is one my family might really like and so quick to make.
Toni Dash says
Absolutely Melissa this can be made with any type of mac and cheese; it doesn’t have to be GF.
Jeanette says
I love making mac & cheese for my family. We get so bored with the same stuff I think this twist on mac & cheese is exactly what we are craving!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks amazing. My family loves mac and cheese, and one of my favorite things to do is doctor it up like this. I can’t wait to try this!
Colleen Lanin says
I LOVE to take mac and cheese and turn into something absolutely amazing. I’ve made chili mac and taco mac on a regular basis. I can’t wait to try this variation. Thank you!
Liz Mays says
This is such a clever idea! I’m glad that it can work well for school lunches. I think it will be a new favorite!
Connie says
While plain mac and cheese is great, this looks like a yummy way to dress it up. I will definitely be giving this a try.
Amy Desrosiers says
Holy wow does this look so good! I am all for hacks in the kitchen so this is especially amazing!
Jaime says
Wow, what a great idea! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of this before. Sounds delicious. Thanks for the idea!
Pam Wattenbarger says
This looks so good and I love that it is single serve. I know what my daughter will be getting for her lunch now. She is a huge mac and cheese fan.
Felicita Moncada says
Mac n Cheese AND Bacon? My two faves in one dish! I cannot wait to try this easy recipe. I am always looking for mac n cheese recipes because my daughter loves it. She is super picky so I love the combination for her!
Kelly || Food, Fun & Faraway Places says
I am bit of a Mac & Cheese fanatic! This looks mouthwatering and such a good “spin” on a beloved favorite in my family! How is this not a regular staple, pepperoni WITH mac and cheese, couldn’t be more perfect.
Theresa says
You just really turned an ordinary dish into a gourmet looking meal here. I can’t wait to try it!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Wow! This looks so darn tasty and so easy to make. What a great meal, especially for my kids. They would love it!
Kathy says
Wow, this looks amazing. I never would have even thought to make something like this. I will be trying this very soon. I think this will be a great dish for my family.
susan5minutesformom says
What a tasty-sounding twist on traditional mac & cheese! Being able to make it in single servings portions is awesome for grab-and-go or comfort food cravings, too!
Cat says
You had me at mac and cheese <3 But seriously, pepperoni pizza AND mac and cheese?! I am drooling! Sounds and looks amazing–I absolutely must try it!
Elizabeth Lampman says
Mac and cheese is always a family favorite. I am always looking for gluten free recopies to try.I will have to get the ingredients I need to make some this weekend.
Sarah @ The Outside Family says
I do something somewhat similar but I use….don’t laugh, ketchup. For some reason, I love the combination of the two with turkey pepperoni.
Sherry says
What a great way to dress up mac and cheese. I’m going to have to try this. My son loves mac and cheese.
Tess says
This looks amazing. I never would have come up with this idea. I think this will be a great dish for my family
Lisa Collins says
I bet my pepperoni pizza loving kids would enjoy this, especially because they love mac and cheese too! Would be great for leftovers I bet!
Carol Cassara says
A lovely twist on a classic favorite! I love how easy this one is to prepare, perfect for busy days. I love mac and cheese and sometimes it’s easier to prepare a small batch since I’m the only one who eats it at home. I’d love to try this one, it’s single serve, very efficient!
Gingermommy says
Kids love Mac and Cheese and also Pizza! This would be a great combination for a week night dinner. Meals that don’t require “just eat it” being said are the best meals. I am going to have to try this ASAP!
Jeanine says
Oh my goodness. Yese please. This would be such a big hit in our house. I will have to try this asap!
Louise Bishop says
You had me at pizza. This looks absolutely delicious!
Sheena Tatum says
Anything mac and cheese and we’re in. This looks like it would please the whole family.
Angela Milnes says
I can see my girl now. She would be head over heels for this.
Our Family World says
This is a quick, easy and delicious meal to enjoy for those busy nights when I am pressed for time to make dinner. I have to get the ingredients together and keep them in stock. Thanks for the idea. What an awesome find.
Myrah Duque says
This is such an easy and delicious meal! My hubby would be fascinated with it. Will make it this weekend.
Veronica Lee says
My family will love this! Yummmmm!