Alfredo Roasted Red Pepper Mac (Printable Version)
Golden-baked mac cups with Alfredo and roasted red pepper, perfect for snacks or gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
→ Sauce
02 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced
09 - 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
10 - 1 roasted red bell pepper, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
→ Binding & Topping
14 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
15 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
04 - Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Alfredo sauce, roasted red pepper, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni and beaten egg; mix until fully combined.
07 - Spoon macaroni mixture evenly into each prepared muffin cup, pressing gently to compact.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over each cup.
09 - Bake in the oven for 18–22 minutes until the tops are golden and the cups are set.
10 - Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Run a small knife around each edge to loosen and carefully lift out. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Delicious portable snack or appetizer for gatherings
- Easily customizable and freezer-friendly for busy days
02 -
- Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs. Always double-check store-bought Alfredo sauce and breadcrumbs for hidden allergens.
- These mac cups freeze well and can be quickly reheated for snacks or lunchboxes.
03 -
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- For gluten-free cups, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.