Looking for a spooky, fun, and delicious recipe that’s perfect for Halloween or just a playful dinner? This Monster Mac and Cheese is a hit with kids and adults alike. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets creepy-cute monster eyes for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Let’s cook up some monster magic!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (for eyes)
- 6 black olives, sliced (for pupils)
- Optional: edible googly eyes or Halloween-themed pasta shapes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add color: If you’re going for a spooky green monster look, stir in a few drops of green food coloring.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Decorate: Spoon into bowls. Use mozzarella slices and black olive rounds to create “monster eyes” on top. Have fun with placement—goofy is good!
- Serve and enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Monster Mac and Cheese isn’t just tasty—it’s a total joy to make. The creamy texture, rich cheese flavor, and creative decorations make it a family favorite, especially around Halloween. Kids love getting involved in making the “eyes,” and it’s a great way to spark kitchen creativity.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, spirals, or Halloween-themed pasta shapes all work great.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, just prepare the mac and cheese, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add the monster eyes before serving.
Is the food coloring necessary?
Not at all. It’s just for fun. The mac and cheese is delicious with or without the green tint.
Final Thoughts from Chef Yolanda
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a fun family dinner, this Monster Mac and Cheese will charm everyone at the table. It’s playful, easy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favorite!
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Monster Mac and Cheese: A Cheesy Halloween Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy pasta meets spooky-cute monster eyes in this fun Halloween mac and cheese that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (for eyes)
- 6 black olives, sliced (for pupils)
- Optional: edible googly eyes or Halloween-themed pasta shapes
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- If desired, add green food coloring for a spooky monster look.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Spoon mac and cheese into bowls. Top with mozzarella slices and black olive rounds to make “monster eyes.”
- Serve and enjoy the spooky fun!
Notes
This dish is festive, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser around Halloween. Let kids decorate their own monsters for extra mealtime excitement!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Halloween, mac and cheese, monster recipe, spooky dinner, fun kids food