Cheesy Mac n' Hotdog Pizza

1 large (16") pre-made pizza dough or homemade dough recipe
1/4 cup favorite BBQ sauce
4 hotdog links, cut into round slices
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Cheesy Mac:
1-1/3 cup dry whole wheat elbow macaroni
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, divided
1-1/2 Tbs. whole wheat flour
1 cup cold milk
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Dash ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cook macaroni according to package directions; Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour until smooth. Continue to whisk until mixture gets bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and stir constantly until thickened. Reduce heat. Add cream cheese, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Set aside.

Place rolled out dough onto a greased pizza pan.

If using raw dough or homemade recipe: Pre-cook the raw pizza dough partially, prior to applying the toppings. This avoids the crust from getting under-cooked or soggy. I usually cook it at 400 degrees, for about 8-10 minutes. Then apply my toppings and cook for an additional 15 minutes, at 400 degrees F.

If using pre-made, already cooked pizza crust:  Just apply your toppings and cook according to package directions. 


Spread BBQ sauce evenly over crust. Spoon the cheesy mac mixture over top. Top with sliced hot dogs, and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. 


Cook according to the instructions on your package of pre-made crust or follow the instructions on your homemade dough recipe. Cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Tip: For a healthier hotdog, buy uncured all-beef hotdogs. You may have to look in your organic section to find them.