Ghoul Gheroni and Cheese – Spooky Halloween Mac and Cheese

This ghoul gheroni and cheese is a playful twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for a spooky Halloween table. The creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce coats tender macaroni, while mozzarella slices cut into ghost shapes float on top with little black sesame seed eyes. The result is both cozy and festive, with a bubbling golden crust underneath a parade of edible ghosts. It’s ideal for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or even a kid-approved lunch that feels a little magical. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe balances fun presentation with satisfying cheesy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this ghoul gheroni and cheese because it takes a simple homemade mac and cheese and makes it festive without extra fuss. The flavor is rich, creamy, and familiar, but the mozzarella ghosts bring a playful Halloween vibe that both kids and adults enjoy. Since this ghoul gheroni and cheese dish bakes in one pan, it’s easy to prepare for gatherings and even easier to transport. It can also be made ahead, stored, or reheated without losing its charm. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a cozy night in, this recipe feels fun, warm, and filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this ghoul gheroni and cheese, you need classic mac and cheese staples plus a fun ghostly touch. Elbow macaroni works best, though small shells, rotini, or cavatappi make good substitutions. The butter and flour form a simple roux that thickens whole milk into a creamy base. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan add bold, savory flavor. Mozzarella slices cut into ghost shapes rest on top, giving the spooky look that makes this dish Halloween-ready. Black sesame seeds or peppercorns serve as eyes, and olive oil or butter keeps the baking dish greased. With salt and pepper to finish, the recipe balances flavor with presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare ghoul gheroni and cheese, you’ll need a saucepan for the roux and cheese sauce, plus a large pot for boiling pasta. A whisk is important for making the sauce smooth and lump-free. You’ll also need a baking dish for the final assembly. For the ghosts, a small cookie cutter in ghost shape is fun, but you can also cut mozzarella slices by hand with a sharp knife. A spoon or spatula makes mixing easier, and an oven set to 375°F brings everything together until bubbly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil 8 ounces of elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will bake later.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for about 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring until smooth. Let it thicken for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Assemble

Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until coated. Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter, then pour in the cheesy pasta mixture. Smooth it evenly.

Add the Ghosts

Place mozzarella ghost shapes on top of the mac and cheese. Press them lightly so they sit flat but remain visible. Add black sesame seeds or peppercorns as eyes.

Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. The edges should bubble and turn slightly golden while the mozzarella ghosts hold their shape. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips & Common Mistakes

When making ghoul gheroni and cheese, cook the pasta only until tender, not soft, because baking will finish it. Don’t skip making the roux, since it’s key for thick and creamy sauce. Season well with salt and pepper because cheese alone can taste flat. Place the mozzarella ghosts on just before baking so they keep their shape. If this Halloween mac and cheese sits too long before baking, add a splash of milk before reheating. Remember that overbaking can dry the sauce, so remove when bubbly and lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ghoul gheroni and cheese with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or a crisp fall salad. It pairs well with apple slices or a warm mug of spiced cider for a complete autumn meal. For a party spread, balance this ghoul gheroni and cheese recipe with finger foods like spooky skewered salami eyeballs for your Halloween appetizer spread or spider hot dogs that pair perfectly with a cheesy Halloween dinner. The playful look makes this Halloween mac and cheese a great companion to themed drinks and treats.

Leftovers and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy, especially if microwaving. The oven at 325°F works best for larger portions. For longer storage, cool the baked dish completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F until hot and bubbling. Mozzarella ghosts may darken slightly after freezing, so for best looks, freeze without the ghosts and add them fresh before reheating.

Variations & Meal Prep Ideas

For larger parties, double the recipe and bake in a bigger dish. Try pasta swaps like shells or cavatappi for extra sauce pockets. Stir in broccoli florets, spinach, or crispy bacon for more texture. For a smoky twist, add a touch of paprika or swap half the cheddar for smoked gouda. Pack single servings into lunch containers for a Halloween surprise. For dessert, pair with fudgy Halloween ghost cupcakes for a sweet and spooky dessert or creepy Halloween eyeball jello shots to match your ghostly main dish.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of ghoul gheroni and cheese has about 420 calories. It provides 18 grams of protein from the cheese and pasta. Carbohydrates total 35 grams, giving energy for an active evening of Halloween fun. With 22 grams of fat, the dish is rich and satisfying. It also contains 2 grams of fiber. While it’s not a light dish, it delivers comfort and festive flair, making it perfect for special occasions.

Explore Similar Recipes

Try more fun Halloween recipes like spooky skewered appetizers, themed hot dogs, and sweet ghost cupcakes for a full holiday spread.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Ghoul gheroni and cheese is a fun, cozy dish that makes Halloween dinner feel special without being complicated. The ghosts on top bring smiles to kids and adults, while the bubbling cheesy pasta underneath satisfies everyone. Serve it as the centerpiece of your spooky spread or sneak it into a weekday dinner for festive fun. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, you can browse plenty of creative holiday dishes on Pinterest. Try this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the mix of comfort and playfulness at your next Halloween gathering.

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