Name: Mac And Cheese With Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g (8 oz) Elbow Macaroni: Choose a high-quality brand for best texture.; 30 g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the roux.; 30 g (2 tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.; 500 ml (2 cups) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy sauce.; 150 g (5 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: The star of the show for classic flavor.; 100 g (3.5 oz) Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Adds stretch and creaminess.; 100 g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a smooth and tangy swirl.; 120 ml (½ cup) Roasted Red Pepper Puree: Adds sweetness and color.; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.; ½ tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances savory flavors.; ½ tsp Salt, plus more to taste: Balances the flavors.; ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds spice and complexity.; ½ cup (50 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy topping.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs get golden brown.; 2 tbsp (8 g) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Adds color and freshness.

Description

This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese with a vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl, offering a smoky and sweet flavor combination. It’s a comforting dish with a sophisticated twist!

Ingredients

Scale

250 g (8 oz) Elbow Macaroni: Choose a high-quality brand for best texture.
30 g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the roux.
30 g (2 tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
500 ml (2 cups) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy sauce.
150 g (5 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: The star of the show for classic flavor.
100 g (3.5 oz) Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Adds stretch and creaminess.
100 g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a smooth and tangy swirl.
120 ml (½ cup) Roasted Red Pepper Puree: Adds sweetness and color.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
½ tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances savory flavors.
½ tsp Salt, plus more to taste: Balances the flavors.
¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds spice and complexity.
½ cup (50 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy topping.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs get golden brown.
2 tbsp (8 g) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Adds color and freshness.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
Create Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1 minute.
Build Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
Melt Cheeses: Reduce heat, melt cheddar and mozzarella until smooth. Season.
Prepare Swirl: Combine cream cheese, red pepper puree, paprika, and salt.
Combine & Swirl: Fold macaroni into sauce, swirl in red pepper mixture.
Transfer & Top: Transfer to dish, top with panko and olive oil.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly shredded cheese. Roasting your own red peppers enhances the sweetness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: mac and cheese,roasted red pepper,comfort food,cheese sauce,pasta,baked mac and cheese,easy recipe,dinner