Halloween Orange Mac and Cheese (Print)

Mac and cheese meets Halloween in orange pepper bowls for a festive, vegetarian main.

# Components:

→ For the Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

→ For the Bowls

13 - 6 large orange bell peppers

→ Decoration

14 - Sliced black olives

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
03 - While the macaroni is cooking, slice off the tops of the orange bell peppers. Remove the seeds and internal membranes. If desired, use a small paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces into each pepper.
04 - Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
05 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, which should take approximately 3–4 minutes.
06 - Reduce the heat to low. Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Stir until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
07 - Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
08 - Spoon the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out orange bell peppers. Arrange the filled peppers upright in a baking dish.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are just tender and the tops of the macaroni and cheese are lightly golden.
10 - If desired, embellish the mac and cheese-filled peppers with sliced black olives to create "eyes" and "mouths." Serve the creations warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients
  • Doubles as both a meal and Halloween decoration
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Completely customizable jack o lantern faces
02 -
  • The bell peppers will continue cooking after removal from the oven
  • This recipe can be prepared up to a day ahead and baked just before serving
  • Perfect for both Halloween parties and fall harvest gatherings
  • Each serving provides a full serving of vegetables
03 -
  • The perfect Halloween mac and cheese bowls depend on a few crucial techniques. First, never overcook your bell peppers or they'll collapse when served. Second, grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre shredded varieties which contain anti caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Finally, for the most vibrant orange color, use a combination of sharp orange cheddar and that pinch of turmeric for a truly festive appearance.

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