Get ready to take your taste buds on an epic flavor adventure with these Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers! This dish is the ultimate mashup of two beloved comfort foods – mac and cheese and loaded baked potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with smoky bacon goodness, these stuffed peppers are about to become your new go-to crowd-pleasing recipe. Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers
These Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers are an absolute GAME-CHANGER! Not only are they insanely delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Imagine tender bell peppers stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese base loaded up with crispy bacon bits. It’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s sure to have your friends and family begging for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, these stuffed peppers are the perfect dish for entertaining, meal prepping, or just satisfying your cravings for something unbelievably tasty. Get ready to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives!
Ingredients
To make these Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: elbow macaroni, milk, butter, all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, bell peppers, and a few seasonings. The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by swapping in different types of cheese or adding in your favorite mix-ins.
- 8 oz (225g) – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (480ml) – Milk
- 4 tbsp (57g) – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 6 medium – Bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkling of Parmesan (for extra cheesy goodness)
- Bacon: Swap in diced ham, spicy sausage, or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Alright, y’all, let’s get to work and transform these humble ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, make the creamy cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves in a baking dish. Stir the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, then spoon the mixture into the prepared pepper halves.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the stuffed peppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy the epic explosion of flavors in every bite!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Cheesy: Top the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs before baking for an extra cheesy twist.
- Spice It Up: Try using jalapeños or mini bell peppers for a fiery kick.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize It: Get creative and add in your favorite mix-ins, like diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: These Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers can be assembled in advance and baked when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers is a delicious and satisfying way to indulge in your cravings. With a blend of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and nutrient-dense bell peppers, this dish packs a nutritional punch while still delivering on the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed peppers in advance?
Absolutely! These Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve. Simply prepare the stuffing, fill the pepper halves, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different types of peppers?
Definitely! While bell peppers are the classic choice, you can also experiment with other varieties, such as jalapeños, mini bell peppers, or even poblano peppers, for a spicier twist.
Can I add any other mix-ins to the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add in your favorite ingredients, like diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!
How can I make these stuffed peppers even cheesier?
For an extra cheesy treat, try topping the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a panko breadcrumb topping before baking.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can! Assemble the stuffed peppers, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen stuffed peppers directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Try These Next
- Creamy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Meatball Sliders
- Three Cheese Macaroni With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Mac And Cheese With Smoky Bacon Swirls
Cheesy Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese stuffed into vibrant bell peppers, topped with crispy bacon. A perfect comfort food dish!
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
4. 4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff each pepper with the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture, packing it in tightly.
5. 5. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of each pepper for added crunch.
6. 6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the peppers are tender.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can use any type of cheese you prefer for a different flavor. Try adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, mac and cheese, bacon