Rib Cage Mac & Cheese
Get Spooky With This Rib Cage Mac & Cheese Dish is perfect for adding a touch of spooky fun to any Halloween gathering, combining creamy cheese with an eye-catching presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Black olives (for decoration)
- Cooked bacon or sausage (optional, for rib cage effect)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, then cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk to the roux, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is well-combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Shape it into a rib cage form (or use rib-shaped molds if you have them).
- Top the mac and cheese with additional shredded cheese and add crumbled bacon or sausage to enhance the rib cage appearance.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is bubbling and golden.
- Slice black olives to create a spooky decoration effect on top before serving.
- Dish up hot and enjoy this festive rib cage mac and cheese at your Halloween celebration!
Notes
Choose sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor, and feel free to mix it with other cheeses if you prefer a milder taste.