Halloween Orange Mac and Cheese (Print)

Creamy macaroni in roasted pepper bowls adds festive Halloween fun to family gatherings and parties.

# Components:

→ For the Pepper Bowls

01 - 6 medium orange bell peppers
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Kosher salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Mac and Cheese

05 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the orange bell peppers and meticulously remove all seeds and membranes. Reserve the tops for a decorative touch. Lightly coat the interior and exterior of each pepper with olive oil, then season sparingly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender yet maintain their structural integrity. Remove from the oven and set aside.
02 - Concurrently, cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Incorporate the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to establish a smooth roux. Gradually introduce the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumping, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is uniformly smooth. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, and mustard powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
05 - Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Carefully spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into the pre-roasted pepper bowls. Place the reserved pepper tops back onto the filled peppers to achieve a festive pumpkin appearance.
06 - Present the Halloween Orange Mac and Cheese Bowls immediately. For an enhanced presentation, consider garnishing with chive "stems" to amplify the Halloween theme.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 60 minutes from start to finish
  • Makes ordinary mac and cheese extraordinarily festive
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Creates an Instagram worthy presentation with minimal effort
  • Perfect balance of comfort food and Halloween fun
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep up to two days ahead
  • Creates minimal dishes despite impressive presentation
  • Naturally portion controlled for family dinners
  • Can be made gluten free with alternative pasta and flour
  • Bell peppers add nutritional value to a comfort food classic
03 -
  • Slightly undercook your pasta since it will continue to absorb moisture from the cheese sauce
  • Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top before serving for extra visual appeal
  • If peppers wobble when standing, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface
  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre shredded for the smoothest sauce texture
  • Let the filled peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly

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