If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, look no further than Ree Drummond’s Baked Pepper Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish is a cheesy and creamy delight that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
The secret to this dish is the addition of a block of cream cheese, which eliminates the need to make a roux for the cheese sauce. This shortcut makes the recipe even easier to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. The real star of the dish, however, is the combination of herbs, spicy peppers, and pepper jack cheese, which give the mac and cheese a bold and zesty flavor.
To make this Baked Pepper Mac and Cheese, start by cooking the campanelle pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, warm milk and cream cheese in a saucepot until the cheese has melted and the milk is starting to bubble. Then, fold in a mixture of white Cheddar, pepper jack, and Gouda cheeses until completely melted. Season the cheese sauce with seasoning salt and black pepper, then add in the cooked pasta, chopped herbs, and drained pimientos.
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a buttered baking dish and top it with a mixture of seasoned panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and sliced mini peppers, jalapeños, and poblano peppers. Bake the dish until golden and bubbly, then serve it up hot and fresh out of the oven.
This Baked Pepper Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its finest, with a spicy kick that sets it apart from traditional mac and cheese recipes. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and flavorful dish from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ree Drummond's Baked Pepper Mac and Cheese | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network” was uploaded on 10/18/2024 to Youtube Channel Food Network