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Mac-O'-Lanterns

Nathan Congleton / TODAY
Cook Time:
30 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Servings:
4-6
RATE THIS RECIPE
(10)

Chef notes

Let's be real, kids don't want to eat the pepper part of stuffed peppers anyway. So just make them into fun and festive serving bowls instead!

Ingredients

  • 4-6 orange bell peppers
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • cups half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 4 ounces mild cheddar, shredded

Preparation

1.

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

2.

Add macaroni and cook until al dente, around 6-7 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

3.

While the pasta is cooking, cut the tops off the peppers and reserve. Remove the seeds and membranes. Use a sharp knife to carve jack-o-lantern faces into the side of each pepper.

4.

Heat the half-and-half in a large saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until reduced about 3/4 cup, about 10 mins. Stir in the ghee, and then whisk in the cheddar until it is smooth.

5.

Off the heat, add the macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed. Let sit for 10 mins.

6.

Divide the mac and cheese among the peppers and cap each with a pepper top.