Background
If there’s one thing we Scots adore almost as much as our poetry on Burns night, it’s comfort food. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of macaroni cheese or a hearty serving of haggis, these dishes have warmed many a heart and soul.
Macaroni cheese, with its creamy, gooey, and utterly satisfying nature, has been a staple in many households. It’s my go-to dish for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a quick lunch. On the other hand, haggis, with its rich, spiced flavours, is the quintessential Scottish dish, traditionally enjoyed during Burns Night celebrations. Marrying these two seemed like a match made in food heaven.
Inspiration: From Classic to Contemporary
The inspiration for the MacCheese Haggizza came from a desire to celebrate Scotland’s rich culinary heritage while giving it a modern twist. Haggis has always been a source of pride, but some might find its traditional presentation a bit daunting, especially those who haven’t been brought up enjoying as regularly as we Scots do – whether its on a breakfast roll, as part of a fry up, topping on a burger, and even more recently becoming an ever present in fusion recipes like Haggis Pakora. By incorporating it into a beloved dish like macaroni cheese, it becomes more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The idea was simple: take the best elements of macaroni cheese and haggis and combine them on a pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up, bringing together the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac n’ cheese with the hearty, spiced punch of haggis. And why stop there? Adding a final layer of gooey Red Leicester cheese and mozzarella takes it to the next level of indulgence.
Transformation: The Pizza Creation
Transforming these two classics into a pizza is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how you can create this culinary masterpiece:
Start with the Base: Make your favourite pizza dough. You can check my recipes here, or you can make it from scratch or use a store-bought one if you’re short on time or find it a bit daunting at the moment.
Macaroni Cheese Layer: Prepare a batch of macaroni cheese. Use plenty of mature cheddar for that extra tangy flavor and mix it until it’s nice and creamy.
Red Leicester and Mozzarella: Spread the macaroni cheese evenly over the pizza base. Sprinkle a generous amount of red Leicester and mozzarella on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
- The Haggis: Crumble cooked haggis over the top. This will add that unique, savory spiced flavor that haggis is known for.
- Bake:
Pizza Oven: Preheat your pizza oven to approximately 400°C (750°F). Bake the pizza for about 90 seconds, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Fan Oven: If you’re using a conventional oven, preheat it to 200°C (428°F). Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Macaroni Cheese & Haggis Pizza
Ingredients
- 290 g Pizza dough for a medium-sized pizza base
- 200 g Macaroni cheese cooked
- 150 g Mozzarella & Red Leicester grated
- 150 g Haggis cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Using some pizza dough, stretch this out to around 12 inches. You can make it from scratch or use a store-bought one if you're short on time.
- Leftovers are great and less timely, but if you don't have any, prepare a fresh batch of macaroni cheese using your favourite recipe. Spread the macaroni cheese evenly over the pizza base.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Red Leicester and mozzarella on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
- Cook the haggis as per the manufacturer's instructions and then generously crumble over the top. This will add that unique, savoury spiced flavour that haggis is known for.
- Time to bake:Pizza Oven: Preheat your pizza oven to approximately 400°C. Bake the pizza for about 90 seconds, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Fan Oven: If you’re using a fan oven, preheat it to 200°C. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
The Verdict: A Scottish Delight
The first bite of MacCheese Haggizza is a revelation. The creamy macaroni cheese provides a comforting base, while the red Leicester and mozzarella add a delightful stretch and richness. The star, of course, is the haggis, which brings its spiced flavours to the party with a crumble that also adds another layer of texture. It’s a blend of textures and tastes that celebrates Scotland’s culinary heritage in the most delicious way possible.
This pizza is more than just a novelty; it’s a testament to how traditional dishes can be reimagined and enjoyed in new, exciting ways. Whether you’re a die-hard haggis fan or a macaroni cheese addict, the MacCheese Haggizza is sure to become a favourite in your household and a brilliant use when you have some leftovers to hand.
Final Thoughts
Give the MacCheese Haggizza a try for your next Burns Night celebration or any time you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal. It’s a unique twist on tradition that brings together the best of Scotland’s flavors in a way that’s fun, delicious, and utterly satisfying.
