Halloween isn’t just about candy—it’s also the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen! These Spooky Mac & Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun, festive way to serve up a cozy dinner that kids and adults will love.
Imagine creamy, cheesy mac & cheese nestled inside bright orange bell peppers carved like little jack-o’-lanterns. It’s comfort food dressed up in costume—playful, nostalgic, and just spooky enough to bring smiles all around the table. Whether you’re serving it before trick-or-treating, at a Halloween party, or just enjoying a cozy fall night in, this dish is as fun as it is delicious.
Recipe Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner, Pasta |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | ~450 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 3 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for a hint of smokiness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers
Cut off the tops of each bell pepper and remove seeds and membranes. If you’d like, carve little jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides for a festive touch. Set aside. - Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Add 1 ½ cups cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Combine with Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. - Stuff the Peppers
Spoon mac & cheese into each prepared bell pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. - Bake & Serve
Place peppers upright in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melty. Serve warm and enjoy your spooky, cheesy jack-o’-lanterns!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Carving Tip: If you carve faces, keep them simple (triangles and squares) so the peppers don’t collapse while baking.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the mac & cheese a day ahead. Just stuff the peppers and bake when ready to serve.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the paprika or add a dash of nutmeg for a mild, cozy flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage into the mac & cheese for a heartier version.
- Veggie Twist: Add broccoli florets or spinach for extra greens.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets and use the same cheesy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside roasted pumpkin seeds or garlic breadsticks for extra crunch.
- Add a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin soup to make it a festive fall feast.
Conclusion
These Spooky Mac & Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are more than just a meal—they’re a memory in the making. Fun to carve, easy to prepare, and so comforting to eat, they’re the perfect dish to enjoy with family and friends this Halloween season. Cozy, cheesy, and a little spooky—it doesn’t get better than that!