How to Make Cheesy, Creepy, Delicious Mac-O-Lanterns

Who says mac and cheese has to be basic? This Halloween, we’re taking your favorite cheesy comfort food and giving it a spooky twist that’s equal parts creepy and crave-worthy. Think black pasta, smoky cheese, and edible jack-o-lanterns that are almost too cute to eat…almost.

The Base: Black Pasta + Smoky Cheese

Start with a pasta that screams Halloween—black pasta (yes, we’re talking squid ink or charcoal-infused noodles). If you want an easy DIY version, you can also just add a few drops of black food coloring to your regular pasta dough or cooked noodles. Its dark, glossy hue is the perfect canvas for your hauntingly gooey cheese sauce. Layer in a smoky cheddar or a sharp Gruyère, and you’ve got a dish that’s rich, savory, and hauntingly good.

Mac-O-Lantern Bowls

Here’s where the fun (and the Halloween spirit) really comes in. Instead of serving your mac in a boring bowl, carve it into edible orange bell peppers. They double as decoration and dinner, making your Halloween table instantly more festive.

How to do it:

1. Cut the tops off your orange bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes.

2. Boil the peppers (and their tops) for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then plunge them into an ice bath.

3. Once cooled, carve a classic jack-o-lantern face into one side of each pepper.

4. Fill your carved peppers with creamy, smoky mac and cheese. Pop the tops back on for presentation—or let the cheesy goodness ooze out for an extra spooky vibe.

Spooky Add-Ons

• Crispy Breadcrumb “Cobwebs”: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of your mac and toast until golden. Bonus points if you arrange them in a cobweb pattern.

• Ghostly Garnishes: Mini mozzarella balls with black olive “eyes” make fun ghost toppers.

• Fiery Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle adds a subtle heat that’s perfect for the season.

Why You’ll Love It

Kids will love it, adults will swoon over the smoky, cheesy flavor, and your Instagram feed will look spookier than any haunted house. It’s Halloween mac & cheese that’s playful, indulgent, and just a little bit mischievous.

Embrace the spooky season and serve your mac with a side of fright. Because nothing says Halloween like a plate of cheesy, black-pasta goodness…glowing out of a tiny carved pumpkin.