Monster Mac & Cheese – creamy Halloween mac and cheese for kids

Who says Halloween treats have to be all sugar and spooky candy? This Monster Mac & Cheese is like the friendly monster your kids will actually want to invite for dinner—creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit mischievous with some fun green and orange colors to brighten up the spooky season! The moment you stir in that luscious cheese sauce, with its gooey pull and velvety texture, your kitchen smells like all the cozy feelings of fall. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up between pumpkin carving and costume prep. Trust me, this dish transforms a regular family dinner into a Halloween party on a plate, and you’ll get bonus points from the kids who surprisingly gobble up every bite.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green and orange food coloring (natural if preferred)

For Garnish (optional):

• Pizza olives or black beans (for monster “eyes”)
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Crushed cheese crackers or breadcrumbs for crunch

How I Make It

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2:

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux—this step is key for a creamy sauce without lumps!

Step 3:

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking steadily to combine. Keep stirring and bring it to a gentle simmer—it will start to thicken in about 5 minutes. Don’t rush; patience makes a smooth, silky sauce.

Step 4:

Lower the heat and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and fully incorporated. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5:

Divide the mac and cheese into two bowls. Add a drop or two of green food coloring to one and orange food coloring to the other, mixing each until you get vibrant, monster-approved colors.

Step 6:

Serve them side-by-side on plates, letting the kids mix and match colors. Top with pizza olive “eyes” and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese crackers for fun texture. Get ready for big smiles and even bigger appetites!

Variations & Tips

• Use sharp white cheddar for a less orange sauce but keep the color fun with food colors.
• Swap milk for half-and-half for an even richer, creamier texture.
• Add finely chopped cooked spinach or peas to the green mac for a veggie boost.
• For a crunchy topping, broil the mac with panko breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes until golden.
• If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more milk until it reaches your perfect creaminess.
• Use your favorite pasta shape for extra fun—corkscrew or shells work great!

How I Like to Serve It

This Monster Mac & Cheese shines as a centerpiece for a Halloween dinner party or a quick weeknight meal with a festive twist. Pair it with carrot “fingers” with hummus or a simple green salad to balance the richness. And for the kids, a side of creepy gummy worms or fruit eyeballs really ramps up the spooky fun.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• To make it gluten-free, swap out the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free pasta.

Closing: Creamy, colorful, and silly enough to charm any kid, this Monster Mac & Cheese recipe is a Halloween hit that keeps the magic and the cheese flowing every time.