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Mac-O-Lantern and cheese bowls

Mac-O-Lantern and Cheese Bowls: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Mac-O-Lantern and cheese bowls offer a cozy, vegetarian-friendly twist on a classic dish, wrapped in vibrant bell peppers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Peppers
  • 6 medium orange bell peppers Choose firm peppers for the best flavor.
  • kosher salt Enhances the overall flavor; can substitute with sea salt or table salt.
For the Macaroni and Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni Gluten-free pasta works beautifully if avoiding gluten.
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half Feel free to swap for heavy cream or milk.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese At room temperature; Neufchâtel cheese makes a lower-calorie substitute.
  • 4 ounces mild Cheddar, shredded Consider using sharp Cheddar for a bolder taste.

Equipment

  • large baking dish
  • Pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • hand mixer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, half-and-half, and shredded mild Cheddar cheese. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  4. Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese mixture until well combined.
  5. Slice the tops off the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse under cold water.
  6. Stuff each pepper generously with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
  7. Place filled peppers upright in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a golden top.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These bowls are delightful on their own but pair well with a side salad to balance the richness.

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