Description

This Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese is a fun and spooky twist on classic macaroni and cheese. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, topped with ghost-shaped mozzarella slices and detailed with black sesame seed eyes. Perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion, this comforting baked dish combines familiar flavors with playful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

6 slices mozzarella cheese (cut into ghost shapes)
Black sesame seeds or black peppercorns (for ghost eyes)

Other

Olive oil or butter (to grease baking dish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich cheese mixture.
Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Add Mozzarella Ghosts: Place the mozzarella slices cut into ghost shapes evenly on top of the mac and cheese. Use black sesame seeds or black peppercorns to create spooky eyes for each ghost slice.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the mozzarella ghosts are melted and lightly golden on the edges.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this festive, creamy baked mac and cheese with its adorable ghostly topping!

Notes

To make ghost shapes, use small cookie cutters or carefully cut mozzarella slices with a knife.
For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a slightly lighter dish.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
This dish can be prepared ahead, assembled, and refrigerated, then baked before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, Halloween recipe, spooky recipes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella ghosts, comfort food