Spooktacular Halloween Mac and Cheese
A fun and festive take on classic mac and cheese, perfect for Halloween gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cups whole milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Food coloring (optional)
- Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika – to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside!
- Prepare the Roux: In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk until thickened and bubbling, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add macaroni to the pot, stirring until coated. If sauce is too thick, adjust with reserved pasta water.
- Prepare for the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and consider fun Halloween-themed decorations for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Halloween, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Vegetarian