How To Make Baked Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers?

[LeeJung]

I was getting kind of bored eating regular baked mac and cheese, so I searched for a way to elevate it. Recently, I saw this baked mac and cheese stuffed peppers and loved it! If you want to try making them, here's the recipe:

Ingredients:​

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier version)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:​

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Mac and Cheese:

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously to form a roux.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
• Add the garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

• While the mac and cheese is cooking, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
• Brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the peppers on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, cut side up.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

• Spoon the mac and cheese into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly to ensure they are well-stuffed. Fill each pepper until the mac and cheese is just above the rim of the pepper.

5. Make the Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to coat the breadcrumbs in the butter.

6. Bake:

• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the stuffed peppers.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the peppers are tender.

7. Serve:

• Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.

Conclusion: These Baked Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a deliciously innovative twist on the classic mac and cheese, and they’re sure to wow guests or your family at dinner time!