Prepare to have your taste buds rocked, my fellow food adventurers! Today, we’re serving up a cozy and indulgent dish that’s sure to leave you begging for seconds – Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers. This epic fusion of comfort food classics is about to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like you’ve never imagined!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers for Cozy Nights
Imagine the ultimate in comfort food indulgence – silky, creamy mac and cheese nestled inside sweet, roasted bell peppers. This dish is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, delivering a mouth-watering experience in every bite. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling like a culinary legend. Plus, with its visually stunning presentation, this dish is guaranteed to make your friends and family green with envy. Get ready to become the talk of the town with this sensational creation!
Ingredients
This epic Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers recipe calls for a delectable blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. From the rich and velvety cheese sauce to the juicy, roasted peppers, every element works together to create a dish that’s truly out of this world. Get ready to add some serious flavor magic to your life!
- 8 oz (226g) – Elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp (45ml) – Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp (45ml) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (473ml) – Whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (118ml) – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) – Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) – Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 – Medium bell peppers, halved and seeded
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bell Peppers: Poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Blend: Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for an even more decadent cheese sauce.
How to Make Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers for Cozy Nights
Alright, let’s get this flavor fiesta started! Follow these steps to create the ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The cheese sauce should be silky and creamy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce until well combined. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese mixture into the prepared bell pepper halves, filling them evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers hot and enjoy every indulgent bite! Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Topping: Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for extra texture.
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory twist.
- Caramelized Onions: Top the stuffed peppers with sweet, caramelized onions for added flavor.
- Zucchini or Eggplant: Use roasted zucchini or eggplant halves instead of bell peppers for a lighter version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or your favorite side dish.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers without the guilt! With a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, this dish packs a nutritional punch while still satisfying your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 314 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 403 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the elbow macaroni for another short pasta shape, like cavatappi or penne. The texture and shape will change the overall experience, so have fun experimenting!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare these Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers in advance. Simply assemble the peppers, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled filling.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze the cooked mac and cheese filling on its own, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the fully assembled stuffed peppers. The texture and consistency of the peppers can become a bit soggy after freezing and reheating. For best results, enjoy any leftovers within 4 days.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese (which contains animal rennet) and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese blend instead. You can also try swapping the bell peppers for roasted zucchini or eggplant halves for a veggie-forward twist.
How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle heat. But you can easily omit the cayenne if you prefer a more mild dish. You can also swap the bell peppers for milder poblano peppers or spicier jalapeños, depending on your personal heat tolerance.
Try These Next
- Creamy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Meatball Sliders For Family Dinners
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells For Cozy Nights
- Creamy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake For Cozy Nights
Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Creamy Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights. Filled with creamy pasta and topped with gooey cheese, they make for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. 3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened.
5. 5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. 6. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the cooked macaroni and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. 7. Stuff the bell peppers with the mac and cheese mixture.
8. 8. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
9. 9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. You can also add cooked bacon or vegetables to the mac and cheese for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, mac and cheese, comfort food