Name: Monster Mac ‘N’ Cheese With Green Goo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-488808H28M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (or substitute part with cream for extra richness); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup fresh spinach leaves; ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping); Green food coloring (optional, for vibrant effect)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings fun to the dinner table without sacrificing flavor. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes the mac ‘n’ cheese rich and creamy, while the spinach and herbs add a fresh layer of flavor (and that signature green color). I also like that I can make it as creamy stovetop mac ‘n’ cheese or bake it for a bubbly, golden top. It’s festive, tasty, and just the right amount of spooky.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
green food coloring (optional)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
I slowly whisk in the milk and cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Off the heat, I stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. I season with salt and pepper.
In a blender, I puree spinach, parsley, and basil with a splash of water until smooth. I stir this mixture into the cheese sauce. For a brighter green, I add food coloring.
I stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.
For a baked version, I transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese to a greased baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook, and about 30 minutes total (or 50 minutes if baked).

Variations

I sometimes substitute half-and-half for some of the milk to make it extra creamy. For crunch, I top the baked version with buttered breadcrumbs. If I want to make it scarier for Halloween, I add fake “eyeballs” by placing mozzarella pearls with olive slices on top before serving. For a smoky version, I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the mac ‘n’ cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk, or bake it covered at 325°F until heated through. This dish can also be frozen before baking—just thaw overnight and bake when ready.

FAQs

Can I make this without food coloring?

Yes, I can rely on the spinach, parsley, and basil for natural green color, though the shade will be more muted.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, I can use shells, cavatappi, or penne—anything that holds onto the sauce works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving.

How can I make it kid-friendly?

I blend the spinach and herbs very smoothly so kids don’t notice the greens, and I keep the color vibrant with a drop or two of food coloring.

What toppings work well with this recipe?

I like Parmesan, breadcrumbs, or even extra shredded cheese melted on top. For a Halloween party, I sometimes add edible “spooky” garnishes like black olive spiders.

Conclusion

I love how Monster Mac ‘N’ Cheese With Green Goo turns a classic comfort food into a playful Halloween dinner centerpiece. It’s rich, cheesy, and flavorful, with just enough green gooey fun to make everyone smile. Whether I serve it baked or stovetop, it’s a festive recipe I’ll return to every spooky season.