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Easy Creamy Jack O Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups Perfect Fall Recipe
C. Motter Cindy

Jack-O’-Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups

Delightfully creamy and cheesy individual servings of mac and cheese with whimsical jack-o’-lantern faces, perfect for Halloween parties and family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cups
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini
Cheese Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard or mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for subtle smoky flavor and orange hue
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided, about 16 ounces
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese optional, for extra creaminess
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional, for flavor and topping, divided
  • 1/4 cup finely grated orange cheddar cheese for the jack-o’-lantern faces
Others
  • non-stick cooking spray for muffin tins

Equipment

  • 12 cup muffin tin
  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • - Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring until thickened (5-7 minutes). Add salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 3 cups sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  6. Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce until well coated.
  7. Fill muffin cups three-quarters full with mac and cheese, pressing down gently to compact.
  8. Create jack-o’-lantern faces on top using finely grated orange cheddar cheese shaped as eyes, nose, and mouth.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and tops are lightly crisp. Remove and cool in tins 5-10 minutes.
  10. Carefully remove cups from tins and serve warm. Enjoy your festive Halloween treat!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Grate your own cheese for best sauce texture. Allow cooling time before removing pans to prevent breaking. These can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
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