This Halloween mac and cheese transforms an everyday favorite into something festive and fun. Baked until golden, it’s topped with ghost-shaped mozzarella slices staring back with sesame seed eyes. The result is creamy, cozy, and playful—a hit with kids and adults alike. For more seasonal comfort food to fill the table, check out our Halloween feast roundup.
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Halloween Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Halloween mac and cheese baked with ghost mozzarella on top. Spooky, fun, and family-friendly for parties or cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10–12 mozzarella slices
- Sesame seeds or peppercorns (for ghost eyes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour, cook 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thick and smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan, season.
- Fold pasta into cheese sauce until coated.
- Transfer to buttered casserole dish, smooth top.
- Cut mozzarella into ghost shapes, place on pasta, add eyes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, making sure each portion has a ghost.
Notes
- Reheats best with a splash of milk to revive creaminess.
- Undercook pasta slightly if preparing ahead.
- For spicy “angry mac,” add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Freeze before baking for best results.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love Halloween Mac and Cheese
This Halloween mac and cheese hits that sweet spot between indulgent comfort and festive fun. The rich, velvety cheese sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while mozzarella ghosts bring whimsy to the table. It’s approachable enough for weeknights, yet it is also memorable enough for a Halloween buffet. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead for stress-free entertaining. As a result, every serving feels like a little edible magic.
Halloween Mac and Cheese Ingredients
To bring this spooky pasta to life, you only need a few pantry staples and some fun mozzarella cutouts. Even though the list is simple, each item plays a role in creating creamy, golden perfection.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow pasta | 1 lb |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tbsp |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella slices | 10–12 |
| Sesame seeds or peppercorns (ghost eyes) | As needed |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Substitutions
You can swap elbow pasta with shells, penne, or rotini for a different texture. In addition, Colby Jack or Gruyère create a deeper flavor, while cream cheese adds tang. Vegan butter and plant-based milk make it dairy-free, whereas gluten-free pasta and flour ensure everyone can enjoy. If mozzarella slices aren’t handy, string cheese flattened with a rolling pin works for ghost cutouts instead.
Step-by-Step Halloween Mac and Cheese
Here’s how to turn everyday pasta into a festive Halloween dish. Each step builds flavor and texture. Because the process is straightforward, it’s easy even for beginner cooks.
- Cook the Pasta
First, boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux
Next, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Build the Sauce
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thick. Then remove from heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan, and season to taste.
- Combine with Pasta
After that, fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated.
- Prepare the Dish
Transfer mixture to a buttered casserole dish, smoothing the top evenly.
- Add Ghosts
Now cut mozzarella into ghost shapes and lay them over the pasta. Add sesame seeds or peppercorns as eyes.
- Bake
Finally, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden, with ghosts still visible.
- Serve
Serve immediately, making sure each portion has at least one spooky ghost.
Pro Tips for Halloween Mac and Cheese
Always salt your pasta water well to build flavor from the start. While the roux bubbles, wait before adding milk so your sauce thickens properly. Slice mozzarella ghosts thick enough so they hold their shape. If making ahead, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy after reheating. In addition, don’t be afraid to season generously, because cheese needs balance.
Variations & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, use rice pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of a flour-based roux. To make it vegan, swap in almond milk, plant-based cheeses, and vegan butter. For example, add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want an “angry” version with heat. On a budget? Skip Parmesan and double up on cheddar. Meat lovers can fold in shredded chicken or crispy bacon instead.
Serve Halloween Mac and Cheese With
Pair your Halloween mac and cheese with roasted carrots, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. In addition, a mug of warm apple cider adds a seasonal touch. For more spooky pairings, try Purple Halloween Punch or Ghostly Lasagna from our Halloween collection.
Storage & Reheat
Cool leftovers completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or in the oven until creamy. For freezing, assemble but don’t bake; thaw overnight, then bake fresh for best texture. For food safety best practices, follow the USDA guidelines on leftovers. In addition, review the FDA’s food storage recommendations to make sure your dish stays safe and delicious when reheated.
Halloween Mac and Cheese Nutrition
Each serving has about 520 calories, with 22 grams of protein and a balanced mix of carbs and fats. Sodium is moderate, and the dish provides calcium from the cheeses. For detailed information on calcium and other nutrients, check the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. In addition, explore Harvard’s Nutrition Source for guidance on balancing comfort food within a healthy diet.
FAQs
The secret is often in the sauce. A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives depth, while a roux ensures smoothness. Some cooks also add cream cheese or mustard for tang.
The brand faced scrutiny over potential chemicals in packaging. It highlighted why food safety and sourcing practices matter to many consumers. Homemade versions like this avoid those concerns.
It’s a spicy spin on the classic, usually featuring jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce. This Halloween version can easily be adapted with fiery add-ins.
Tini’s version went viral for its ultra-creamy texture and creative toppings. It shows how comfort food with personality connects with people, just like this festive ghost-topped bake.
More Like This Halloween Mac and Cheese
If you loved making this Halloween mac and cheese, you’ll enjoy exploring more festive recipes that bring the same seasonal charm to your table. Each one offers a unique way to keep the spooky spirit alive and delicious.
- Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs: A playful pasta dish topped with gooey mozzarella eyeballs that makes kids giggle and guests smile.
- Ghostly Lasagna: Layers of pasta, sauce, and ghost-shaped cheese for a hearty, family-style Halloween dinner.
- Beetlejuice Cocktail: A colorful and spooky drink that pairs perfectly with cheesy comfort food.
- Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: A classic fall side that balances rich, creamy dishes with savory herbal flavors.
Save This Halloween Mac and Cheese Recipe for Later
Pin this Halloween mac and cheese so you’ll have it ready for spooky season. Share it with friends planning parties, or bookmark it for a cozy family night. Because this recipe is fun, comforting, and unforgettable, it is exactly what Halloween should taste like.