Description
A whimsical twist on mac and cheese perfect for Halloween, featuring a blend of cheeses, colorful vegetables, and a fun presentation that kids will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional spices (smoked paprika, nutmeg) optional
- Olives for decoration
- Shredded carrot or red pepper strips for mouths
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown.
- Pour in milk and gradually whisk in cheese blend, seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices until melted and thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and fold in chopped bell peppers and peas.
- On a baking sheet, shape pasta into monster figures using a spoon, adding olives for eyes and shredded veggies for mouths.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Allow to cool slightly before serving and for a crispy finish, top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Halloween, mac and cheese, pasta, family-friendly, festive, comfort food