Name: Mac & Cheese Stuffed Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 large zucchini, halved lengthwise -; 3 tbsp. butter, melted, divided -; Kosher salt -; Freshly ground black pepper -; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped -; 4 cloves garlic, minced -; 3/4 tsp. smoked paprika -; 1/2 tsp. ground mustard -; 1/4 tsp. cayenne -; 1/4 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg -; 6 oz. elbow macaroni -; 2 1/4 c. whole milk -; 1/4 c. heavy cream -; 2 c. shredded sharp yellow cheddar -; 1 c. pepper jack -; Hot sauce, for serving (optional) -

Recipe information

Cooking:

15 min.

Servings per container:

Source:

More details

Ingredients for - Mac & Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

1. 4 large zucchini, halved lengthwise -

2. 3 tbsp. butter, melted, divided -

3. Kosher salt -

4. Freshly ground black pepper -

5. 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped -

6. 4 cloves garlic, minced -

7. 3/4 tsp. smoked paprika -

8. 1/2 tsp. ground mustard -

9. 1/4 tsp. cayenne -

10. 1/4 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg -

11. 6 oz. elbow macaroni -

12. 2 1/4 c. whole milk -

13. 1/4 c. heavy cream -

14. 2 c. shredded sharp yellow cheddar -

15. 1 c. pepper jack -

16. Hot sauce, for serving (optional) -

How to cook deliciously - Mac & Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

1. Stage

Using a paring knife, score zucchini (like you’re dicing an avocado) and scoop out insides with a small spoon, leaving a ¼”-thick border intact. Finely chop zucchini pulp and set aside.

2. Stage

Preheat oven to 375°. Transfer zucchini boats to a large baking sheet. Brush generously with half the butter and season with salt and pepper. Bake until just tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Stage

Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium-high heat, heat remaining butter. Add reserved zucchini pulp, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, paprika, mustard, cayenne, and nutmeg, and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and creamy, 10 to 12 minutes.

4. Stage

Add macaroni, milk, and cream, and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until nearly al dente, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually fold in cheeses.

5. Stage

Transfer zucchini boats to a 9”-x-13” baking dish and spoon mac into zucchini. Bake until zucchini is tender, 15 to 18 minutes.

6. Stage

Top with hot sauce before serving, if desired.