Creamy baked mac and cheese served in a spooky Halloween-themed dish

Why Make This Recipe

Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese is a fun and spooky twist on a classic favorite. This creamy baked mac and cheese is perfect for Halloween. Kids and adults alike will love its delicious taste and playful ghostly appearance. It's a great dish for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner at home. Plus, it's simple to make, which means even beginner cooks can whip it up! With gooey cheese, tender pasta, and playful ghost shapes, this dish is bound to bring a smile to everyone's face.

How to Make Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese

Making Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese is straightforward and can be done in a few easy steps. Follow this simple recipe, and you'll be on your way to serving a delightful Halloween treat.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow pasta (or any cheddar mac favorite)
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
10-12 slices mozzarella (for ghost-shaped mozzarella)
Sesame seeds or peppercorns (for ghost eyes)
Optional: Extra cheddar or breadcrumbs for spooky cheese topping

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook until it is al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a little bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until it is bubbly and lightly golden.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about a few minutes.
Mix in Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in the creamy goodness.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a buttered casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Make Ghosts: Cut the mozzarella slices into ghost shapes. Place them on top of the pasta mixture. Use sesame seeds or peppercorns to make eyes for the cute ghosts.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes. It is done when it is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: When it's ready, serve it warm, making sure each portion has a ghost or two on top.

How to Serve Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese

You can serve Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese right out of the oven. It's best enjoyed hot, so everyone gets that gooey, cheesy goodness. This dish works well as a main course or a side dish. You could add a simple salad or some steamed vegetables on the side for extra color and nutrition.

How to Store Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it's so delicious!), let the dish cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven or microwave until it is hot again.

Tips to Make Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese

Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! You can add different types like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor.
Extra Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese or breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to spice things up a bit.
Vegetable Add-ins: Sneak in some steamed broccoli or spinach to make it a bit healthier.

Variation

You can also turn this baked mac and cheese into a spooky dish by adding some cooked bacon bits or diced ham throughout the mac and cheese. Just follow the original steps and mix them in when combining the pasta and cheese sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other shapes of pasta?
Yes, you can use any shape of pasta you like! Shells, penne, or fusilli all work well.

2. Can I freeze Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure it's cool, then cover it well before freezing. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer.

3. What if I can't find ghost-shaped mozzarella?
No worries! You can just slice the mozzarella into squares or use shredded mozzarella instead. It will still taste great!

Conclusion

Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese is a fun and easy recipe to try this Halloween. With creamy cheese, tasty pasta, and adorable ghost shapes, it will bring joy to your family and friends. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a spooky movie night, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for a frightfully delicious meal! Enjoy!