15-Minute Creamy Annie's Mac and Cheese
A colorful twist on classic boxed mac and cheese, featuring tender sweet peas and crisp red bell peppers folded into creamy shells with extra sharp cheddar. The crushed Cheddar Bunnies crackers create a delightfully crunchy topping that kids and adults will love. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something familiar yet , this recipe transforms a simple box meal into a more nutritious and visually appealing dish that sneaks in vegetables without sacrificing the comfort food appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 box (6 oz) Annie's Shells & Real Aged Cheddarany boxed mac and cheese1:1vegetarian
use same milk ratio
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup frozen sweet peas, thawedfresh peas1:1vegetarian
cook fresh peas 2-3 minutes first
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Annie's organic Cheddar Bunnies crackers, crushedcrushed Ritz crackers1:1vegetariandairy-free
similar crunch and flavor
Instructions
- 1
Make Shells & Real Aged Cheddar as directed on box, increasing milk to 1/2 cup in 2-quart saucepan, then remove from heat
- 2
Stir in bell pepper, sweet peas and 3/4 cup of the cheese until well mixed
- 3
Cook over medium-low heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and cheese is melted
- 4
Mix remaining 1/4 cup cheese and crackers in small bowl until well mixed
- 5
Sprinkle cheese-cracker mixture evenly over shells
Tips
Thaw frozen peas quickly by running them under warm water for 30 seconds and patting dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Crush the Cheddar Bunnies crackers in a sealed bag with a rolling pin for even, uniform pieces that will brown nicely on top.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and crackers are crispy on top
Common Mistakes
Don't skip thawing the peas completely to avoid watery mac and cheese
Add vegetables after removing from heat to prevent overcooking and mushiness
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
similar crunch and flavor
General Alternatives
use same milk ratio
cook fresh peas 2-3 minutes first
FAQ
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender before adding to the mac and cheese.
What if I don't have Cheddar Bunnies crackers?
Substitute with crushed Ritz crackers, goldfish crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little grated Parmesan cheese.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of milk.