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Easy One-Pan Halloween Mac and Cheese Skulls

halloween mac and cheese skulls - featured image
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This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is shaped into spooky skulls using a silicone mold, making it the perfect Halloween dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Optional: 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk and broth while whisking continuously until smooth.
  4. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the dry pasta and stir to submerge. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
  6. Test pasta for doneness; it should be tender but al dente. If too firm, cook 2 more minutes. If too dry, add a splash of milk or broth.
  7. Remove pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
  8. Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  9. Spray the skull-shaped silicone mold with non-stick cooking spray.
  10. Press the mac and cheese firmly into the mold, packing it tightly, especially in detailed areas.
  11. Optional: Refrigerate the filled mold for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
  12. Gently unmold the skulls onto a serving platter.
  13. Optional: For a crispy topping, sprinkle panko mixture over skulls and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pack the mold tightly for clean skull shapes. If the sauce breaks, add a splash of cold milk and whisk vigorously.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, mac and cheese, one-pan, skull, kid-friendly, easy dinner, spooky

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-one-pan-halloween-mac-and-cheese-skulls/