Halloween Mac and Cheese
A spooktacular twist on a classic comfort food, this Halloween Mac and Cheese brings creamy flavors and festive fun to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or shaped like pumpkins)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs with green and black food coloring for topping
- Black olives for decoration
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a roux.
- Add the milk slowly while whisking; bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Gradually add shredded cheese, mixing until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Mix food coloring into breadcrumbs for topping.
- Assemble the mac and cheese in a baking dish, sprinkle colored breadcrumbs and olives on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Feel free to customize with spicy ingredients or different cheeses for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Halloween, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Pumpkin, Festive, Family Recipe