Description
This Halloween Mac and Cheese recipe transforms the classic creamy pasta into a festive and spooky dish perfect for Halloween celebrations. Using vibrant orange and black food coloring, combined with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this recipe delivers a rich, colorful, and delicious main course that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. Optional spooky toppings like black olives, roasted purple cauliflower, and edible eyes add fun and flair to this seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coloring and Toppings
- Orange and black food coloring (gel-based preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for optional spooky toppings)
- 1 cup sliced black olives or black beans (for color)
- Optional: Halloween-shaped pasta or spooky toppings like roasted purple cauliflower, black sesame seeds, or edible eyes
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux and Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook while whisking for about 1 minute until the mixture bubbles and is lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring the sauce until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Divide and Color Sauces: Divide the cheese sauce evenly between two bowls. Stir orange gel food coloring into one half and black gel food coloring into the other, mixing each well to achieve vivid colors.
- Combine Pasta and Colored Sauces: Split the cooked macaroni evenly and mix half into the orange cheese sauce and half into the black cheese sauce.
- Create Festive Serving Presentation: In a serving dish or individual bowls, carefully spoon alternating scoops of black and orange mac and cheese for a striking, festive layered effect.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top with sliced black olives or your choice of spooky toppings such as roasted purple cauliflower, black sesame seeds, or edible eyes. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the cheese sauce.
- Try Halloween-themed pasta shapes to enhance the spooky presentation.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like purple cauliflower for added flavor and texture.
- For extra fun, bake mac and cheese in muffin tins with edible eyes to create “mini monsters.”
- Ensure the cheese sauce is stirred constantly while thickening to prevent lumps.
