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Spooky Ghost Mac & Cheese Recipe Perfect for Halloween

Spooky Ghost Mac & Cheese - featured image

This festive mac & cheese recipe features adorable ghost-shaped mozzarella toppers, making it the perfect Halloween dinner idea. It’s cheesy, creamy, and fun for the whole family!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 68 slices of fresh mozzarella (cut into ghost shapes using a cookie cutter)
  • Black olives or black food coloring (for ghost eyes)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Slowly add the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until fully coated. Transfer the mac & cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Using a cookie cutter or knife, cut ghost shapes out of the mozzarella slices. Add small dots of black olive or black food coloring for the eyes.
  6. Place the ghost shapes on top of the mac & cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden around the edges.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The ghosts will stay intact and look adorable sitting on top of the cheesy goodness!

Notes

[‘Slightly undercook the pasta for the best texture when baked.’, ‘Using warm milk in the sauce prevents lumps and creates a smooth consistency.’, ‘Prepare the mac & cheese in advance, then add the ghost toppers just before baking.’, ‘If you don’t have mozzarella, try provolone or another white cheese that holds its shape.’, ‘Lay mozzarella slices on parchment paper for easier handling when cutting ghost shapes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, mac and cheese, spooky recipe, festive dinner, kid-friendly, comfort food