Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
🧀 Let’s Make Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese
This is classic baked mac and cheese… but spookier. Mozzarella ghosts float on top, gooey and melty, staring back at you.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and festive without needing anything fancy. Just pasta, cheese, and a little Halloween flair.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I just wanted something fun for a fall dinner. I used a round cookie cutter to make the mozzarella ghosts, and it turned out way better than I expected.
- You get a crowd-pleasing comfort food, dressed up for Halloween.
- It’s great for a cozy dinner or themed party.
- You can prep it ahead and bake it fresh.
- Mozzarella ghosts are fun to shape and melt just right.
- Leftovers reheat like a dream.
🧂 What You’ll Need
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of mozzarella cheese (cut into ghost shapes)
- Black sesame seeds or black peppercorns (for ghost eyes)
- Olive oil or butter (to grease baking dish)
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Butter and flour create a roux that thickens the milk into a creamy sauce. Cheddar melts smooth and tangy, Parmesan boosts the flavor, and mozzarella ghosts melt gently on top during baking without losing their spooky shape. Sesame seeds or peppercorns add those tiny but perfect eyes.
🧑🍳 How to Make Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a pan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and whisk until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until smooth and melty. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter and pour in the mac and cheese, smoothing the top.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella Ghosts
Place ghost-shaped mozzarella slices on top. Press gently so they sit flat. Add black sesame seeds or peppercorns for eyes.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 8: Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with ghosts still melted but visible on top.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta: It’ll get mushy when baked.
- Skipping the roux step: Sauce won’t thicken properly.
- Adding mozzarella too early: It might melt out of shape.
- Not seasoning the sauce: Salt and pepper bring the cheese to life.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or crescent rolls
- Apple slices or cider for a fall touch
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave in short bursts.
- Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
🗓 Meal Plan Ideas
- Make-Ahead Monday: Assemble it early, cover, and bake fresh at dinnertime.
- Leftover Lunchbox: Scoop into containers for an easy lunch the next day.
- Party Prep: Double the recipe for a Halloween potluck or themed dinner.
❓ FAQ
Can I use other pasta?
Yep! Small shells, cavatappi, or rotini all work well.
What if I don’t have ghost cutters?
Use a small round cutter or just slice mozzarella by hand. It still looks fun!
Can I freeze this?
Yes, freeze after baking. Let cool, then wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat covered at 350°F.
🔥 Macros (Per Serving — estimated):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
🧡 Try It and Tell Me!
Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese is the ultimate spooky comfort food. Cheesy, cozy, and a little ghostly on top. Make it for your next fall dinner and let me know how yours turned out—drop your twists, questions, or ghost-shaping tips in the comments!