Roasted red bell pepper Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food dish. This recipe adds a flavorful kick to the traditional macaroni and cheese recipe by incorporating roasted red bell peppers into the sauce. The peppers give the dish a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
How To Make:
To make this recipe, start by cooking the macaroni noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are al dente. While the noodles are cooking, roast red bell peppers in the oven until the skin is charred and blistered. Then, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool before removing the skin and seeds.
Next, make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour to the butter and whisk until thick paste forms. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add grated cheddar cheese, roasted red bell peppers, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. The peppers should be completely integrated into the sauce, and the cheese should be melted.
Finally, drain the cooked macaroni noodles and stir them into the cheese sauce until they are fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and additional shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
This roasted red bell pepper Macaroni and Cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious and unique twist on the classic dish.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
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Roast your own red bell peppers for maximum flavor. Simply place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until the skins are charred. Then, let them cool and remove the skins before using them in the recipe.
Use a blend of cheeses for the sauce. Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are all good options. The combination of different cheeses adds complexity to the flavor.
Add some spice. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can give the dish a little kick.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente (with a slight bite) so that it holds up well in the sauce.
Variations:
Add some protein. Crumbled cooked bacon or grilled chicken can be added to the mac and cheese for a heartier meal.
Make it vegan. Use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and vegan cheese to make a vegan version of this dish.
Try different pasta shapes. Penne or fusilli are good options if you want a change from elbow macaroni.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Add some veggies. Roasted or sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli can be added to the dish for some extra nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 roasted red bell peppers, peeled and seeded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes is optional.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce as the macaroni cooks. Melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the milk and heavy cream gradually while whisking until smooth. Add the roasted red bell peppers to the immersion blender while it is still running, and blend until smooth (or use a regular blender). Simmer for a further few minutes to thicken the sauce.
Add the shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until it's melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated. Place the mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish that has been buttered.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: You can also add some crumbled cooked bacon or grilled chicken to the dish for some extra protein.