Description

This Roasted Red Pepper Swirled Five Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich and flavorful comfort food, elevated with a vibrant roasted red pepper swirl and a blend of five cheeses. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni (250g / 2 cups): The base of the dish.
Unsalted Butter (30g / 2 tbsp, divided): For roux and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (30g / 2 tbsp): Thickens the cheese sauce.
Whole Milk (250ml / 1 cup, divided): Creamy sauce base.
Heavy Cream (150ml / ⅔ cup, divided): Adds richness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (150g / 5 oz, grated, divided): Tangy flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese (100g / 3½ oz, shredded): Gooey texture.
Monterey Jack Cheese (80g / 2¾ oz, shredded): Mild, buttery flavor.
Gruyère Cheese (50g / 1¾ oz, grated): Nutty, complex flavor.
Parmesan Cheese (30g / 1 oz, grated): Salty, umami finish.
Roasted Red Peppers (150g / 5 oz, drained and finely chopped): Vibrant swirl.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Smoky flavor.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Savory aroma.
Salt (½ tsp, adjust to taste): Enhances flavors.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds spice.
Panko Breadcrumbs (50g / ½ cup): Crispy topping.
Melted Butter (15g / 1 tbsp, for topping): Browns breadcrumbs.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, garnish): Adds freshness.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni for 8 minutes until *al dente*, then drain.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, then stir in cheeses until smooth.
Prepare Red Pepper Swirl: Sauté garlic, add roasted peppers and paprika. Stir in milk, cream, and cheddar until creamy.
Combine & Swirl: Toss macaroni with cheese sauce, then swirl in red pepper mixture.
Bake & Top: Transfer to baking dish, top with panko and melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For a more dramatic cheese pull, ensure the mac and cheese is bubbling hot when served. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, roasted red pepper, five cheese, comfort food, pasta, cheese sauce