Witch Halloween Mac And Cheese
This witch Halloween mac and cheese is a quick and easy, oh so creamy white cheddar mac pasta dish with a spellbinding spin. It makes for a spooky dinner or entree for a Hocus Pocus movie marathon and will get everyone into the spirit.
Servings: 6
Calories: 669kcal
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cup half & half
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried mustard
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 2-3 cups baby spinach washed, dried, and roughly chopped
- green food coloring optional
- 1 lb radiatore pasta
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until a 'roux forms. Continue cooking, whisking occasionally, for 1-2 minutes- to let the flour taste cook out.1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup flour
- Whisk in the half & half, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture's smooth without any remaining lumps, and all of the half & half has been used. Whisk in all of the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and allow it to cook stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes.2 1/2 cup half & half, salt & pepper, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp dried mustard, pinch cayenne pepper
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in all of the cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted/incorporated and the sauce is once again smooth. If using, add the green dye until the desired look is achieved.8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, green food coloring
- Stir in the spinach, and allow it to wilt in the mixture, about 1 minute.2-3 cups baby spinach
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss it with the sauce until evenly coated.1 lb radiatore pasta
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- When you are making a cheese sauce that starts with a roux (the flour and butter mixture), you can't stir it too much. Stirring it the whole time keeps the sauce silky smooth.
- Don't add the half and half all at once. The sauce will either end up lumpy or won't come together properly.
- If you use another pasta shape, use something you think looks like bubbles like small shells to keep it feeling spooky.
Nutrition
Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1951IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 409mg | Iron: 2mg