Get ready for a frightfully fun dinner with this baked mac and cheese topped with gooey mozzarella ghosts. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for your Halloween night feast. Kids love the ghostly twist, and adults can’t resist that golden, bubbly crust. Serve it warm for a playful yet cozy meal that brings spooky charm to the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Halloween Mac and Cheese
Fun and Festive for Kids and Adults
This baked mac and cheese isn’t just dinner — it’s a Halloween centerpiece. The mozzarella ghosts add a cute, spooky touch that’ll have everyone smiling before the first bite.
Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
Every spoonful is rich, creamy, and full of melted cheddar and Parmesan. The sauce hugs the pasta just right, creating that perfect comfort food texture everyone craves.
Easy to Make with Pantry Staples
No need for fancy ingredients here. You’ll likely have butter, flour, milk, and pasta in your kitchen already. Add a few simple cheeses, and you’ve got a Halloween hit ready in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need 1 lb of elbow pasta, 4 tbsp of butter, 4 tbsp of flour, and 3 cups of milk. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan for that creamy magic. For the spooky part, grab 10–12 mozzarella slices to cut into ghosts and use sesame seeds or peppercorns for eyes. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar or breadcrumbs on top for crunch. Keep salt and pepper nearby to season everything perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling pasta in salted water until al dente. Then drain and set it aside so it stays firm when baked.
Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for about two minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens. Next, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until they melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated. You’ll see it turn silky and thick — that’s when you know it’s ready.
Assemble and Add Ghost Toppings
Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Smooth it out evenly. Then cut your mozzarella into ghost shapes and place them on top. Add sesame seeds or peppercorns for eyes.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop it into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes. When the top is bubbly and slightly golden, it’s done.
Serve with Ghosts on Every Portion
Scoop out generous servings, making sure each one gets a mozzarella ghost. It’s the cutest way to serve Halloween dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese
Avoid Overcooking Pasta
Keep your pasta slightly firm before baking. It’ll continue to cook in the oven, so don’t let it get too soft.
How to Cut Mozzarella Ghosts Without a Cookie Cutter
Use a small knife and let your creativity guide you. Wiggly edges look even spookier.
Keep Cheese Sauce Smooth and Creamy
Add milk gradually and whisk constantly. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash more milk.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Pasta Shapes
Try shells, penne, or rotini if you don’t have elbows. They all soak up that cheese beautifully.
Extra Cheese or Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
Sprinkle on more cheddar or buttery breadcrumbs before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
Make It Spicier with Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce for a grown-up twist.
What to Serve With Halloween Mac and Cheese
Pair your baked mac and cheese with roasted carrots or garlic bread for a balanced meal. Apple cider brings a cozy fall vibe, while a crisp green salad adds freshness. It also pairs perfectly with creamy scalloped potatoes for Christmas dinner or cheesy root vegetable gratin if you’re planning a seasonal spread.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Options
Refrigerating and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture.
Assembling Ahead for Parties
You can assemble it unbaked, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving for a stress-free Halloween dinner.
Freezer-Friendly Version
Freeze the unbaked dish, tightly wrapped, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. The texture stays rich and cheesy.
FAQ
What are some fun facts about mac and cheese?
Mac and cheese dates back to the 14th century! It became popular in America thanks to Thomas Jefferson’s love for the dish.
How do you know when your baked mac and cheese is done?
It’s ready when the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
How to keep baked mac and cheese from drying out?
Always use enough sauce and cover the dish loosely with foil during baking if needed.
What not to do when making mac and cheese?
Don’t overcook your pasta or use pre-shredded cheese — it can make the sauce grainy.
Related Recipes to Try
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas Dinner
- Cheese Potato Smoked Sausage Casserole
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving
- Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Classic Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole for Family Dinner
Conclusion
This spooky baked mac and cheese is the ultimate Halloween comfort dish — cheesy, creamy, and irresistibly cute with its mozzarella ghosts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a fun family dinner, it’s sure to bring smiles to every plate. For more festive recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest board.
Spooky Baked Mac and Cheese with Mozzarella Ghosts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy baked mac and cheese with spooky mozzarella ghosts. Fun, kid friendly, and perfect for Halloween. Golden, bubbly, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
10–12 slices mozzarella
Sesame seeds or peppercorns for ghost eyes
Optional: extra shredded cheddar for topping
Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Butter for greasing baking dish
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in well salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
6. Transfer to a buttered baking dish and smooth the surface.
7. Cut mozzarella slices into ghost shapes. Arrange on top and press in sesame seeds or peppercorns for eyes.
8. Optional: sprinkle extra cheddar or breadcrumbs over the open areas for added flavor and crunch.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm, ensuring every portion includes a mozzarella ghost.
Notes
Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness.
Cut mozzarella after assembling so ghosts keep their shape.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Assemble ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Halloween Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 75
