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–+ servings

Halloween Monster Mac and Cheese

A fun and spooky twist on a comforting classic, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: Comfort Food, Festive Meals, Halloween Mac and Cheese, Halloween Recipes, Kids Friendly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Base Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Green food coloring or ½ cup spinach puree for color
  • 12-14 mini mozzarella balls or small mozzarella slices for eyes
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced for pupils

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

  • Boil a pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Making the Roux

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute.

Adding the Milk

  • Gradually whisk in the milk. Stir until it comes to a gentle simmer.

Mixing in the Cheese

  • Add cream cheese to the milk and roux mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Then add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted.

Seasoning the Sauce

  • Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in green food coloring or spinach puree for color.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

  • Stir in cooked elbow macaroni until well coated with cheese sauce. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

Assembling the Dish

  • Transfer to a serving dish. Arrange mini mozzarella balls on top for monster eyes, placing sliced black olives in the center for pupils.

Broiling

  • Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Serving

  • Serve warm, great for a Halloween-themed dinner or family meal.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of milk to keep creamy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 700mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g