Name: Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese: A Fun Twist for Halloween Festivities
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Gho-gheroni (Shells, penne, or rotini can also work.); 4 tbsp Butter (Margarine can serve as a dairy-free option.); 4 tbsp All-purpose flour (Ideal for the best results.); 4 cups Milk (Oat or almond milk can be used for dairy-free.); 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Opt for sharp cheddar for robust taste.); 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Nutritional yeast can be a vegan twist.); 8 oz Mozzarella cheese (Perfect for crafting ghost shapes.); to taste Salt; to taste Pepper

As I stirred the bubbling pot of creamy goodness on a crisp autumn evening, I couldn’t help but smile at the wonders of Halloween in the kitchen. Enter the Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese; it’s not just a dish, but a playful twist on classic comfort food that enlivens any festive gathering. This recipe combines rich, velvety cheese with whimsical mozzarella ghosts peeking out from a sea of gho-gheroni pasta, making it an instant favorite for both young trick-or-treaters and their parents. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also comes together quickly, meaning more quality time spent with loved ones and fewer hours in the kitchen. Why settle for store-bought when you can create your own delightful Halloween magic at home? Ready to conjure up some kitchen fun? Let’s dive into this spooktacular recipe!

Why is this Ghoul-gheroni Spooktacular?

Fun Presentation: With cute mozzarella ghosts peeking out, this dish is bound to captivate both kids and adults alike!
Creamy Texture: A rich, velvety cheese sauce envelopes your gho-gheroni, delivering indulgence in every bite.
Quick to Prepare: Whip this up in under an hour, allowing you to enjoy more time with your Halloween guests!
Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite cheeses or add veggies for a nutrition boost—gotta love adaptability!
Feel-Good Comfort: The classic flavors of mac and cheese ensure this dish will be a hit at every Halloween gathering.
Plus, if you love unique takes on desserts, don’t miss our delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake to complete your festive table!

Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese Ingredients

For the Pasta
• Gho-gheroni – The star of this dish, offering the perfect bite for your cheesy delight. Note: Shells, penne, or rotini can also work like a charm.
For the Cheese Sauce
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce. Substitution: Margarine serves as a dairy-free option if needed.
• Flour – Thickens your creamy sauce to the perfect consistency. Note: All-purpose flour is ideal for the best results.
• Milk – Creates that luscious, creamy texture we all love. Substitution: Oat or almond milk can be used for dairy-free adjustments.
• Cheddar Cheese – Offers the main flavor and loads of gooey goodness. Note: Opt for sharp cheddar for a more robust taste.
• Parmesan Cheese – Elevates the cheese flavor and provides a touch of nuttiness. Substitution: Nutritional yeast can step in for a vegan twist.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Perfect for crafting those adorable ghost shapes that add whimsy to your dish.
For Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors of the cheese sauce.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then add your gho-gheroni pasta and cook until just al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce. This ensures the pasta maintains its shape and texture during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a golden roux and no longer has a raw flour smell. Gradually pour in 4 cups of milk while whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and meld beautifully into the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring your Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese is perfectly seasoned for that comforting flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Carefully fold the cooked gho-gheroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that velvety goodness. This is a crucial step to create a well-mixed dish that’s bursting with cheesy flavor. Set aside your combined mixture as you prepare for baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you scoop the ghoul-gheroni and cheese mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Level the top gently with a spatula for even baking. This ensures that the cheesy concoction bakes uniformly, creating that beautiful, bubbling texture.

Step 6: Add Mozzarella Ghosts
Slice fresh mozzarella into ghost shapes, using small cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange these delightful mozzarella ghosts atop the pasta mixture, pressing them lightly into the cheese sauce. To create fun eyes, add sesame seeds or peppercorns, ensuring your ghoulish dish is eye-catching and ready for baking.

Step 7: Bake the Dish
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as visual cues will tell you it’s ready—a delicious, crusty layer should form over the spooky ghoul-gheroni & cheese, enhancing the appeal.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving includes one of those playful mozzarella ghosts. Your Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese is now ready to be devoured—perfect for bringing joy and comfort to your Halloween festivities!

Make Ahead Options

These Spooky Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the Halloween rush! You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by following the steps through to adding the mozzarella ghosts. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to serve, remove the dish from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for even baking, then pop it in the preheated oven. This way, your Spooky Ghoul-gheroni and Cheese will be just as delicious, creamy, and spooky as if it had been made fresh that day!

Expert Tips for Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese

Perfect Pasta Cooking: Don’t overcook the gho-gheroni! Aim for al dente to keep ghost shapes intact during baking.
Sauce Consistency Check: Ensure the cheese sauce is nicely thickened before adding pasta to prevent a runny dish.
Ghost Arrangement: Press mozzarella ghosts lightly into the pasta to keep them from floating away during baking.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella—higher quality cheese creates an unforgettable flavor in your spooky ghoul-gheroni & cheese.
Make Ahead: Prep this dish in advance and freeze it before baking; it’s a great time-saver for your Halloween gatherings!

Storage Tips for Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh while enjoying your spooky ghoul-gheroni & cheese.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as instructed.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring the creaminess returns to your ghoul-gheroni.
Serving Tips: When ready to serve, reheat in individual portions for a fun and festive presentation that retains its delightfully cheesy charm!

What to Serve with Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese

Looking to create a full Halloween feast? These delightful pairings will bring your ghoulish gathering to life!

Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture complements the creamy ghoulish pasta, perfect for soaking up every last drop of cheese sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted sprouts adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the cheese, balancing your meal perfectly.
Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of velvety soup ties in seasonal flavors, enhancing the autumn vibes around your Halloween table.
Apple Walnut Salad: The fresh, crisp elements of this salad paired with the sweetness of apples harmonize beautifully with the hearty ghoul-gheroni.
Spooky Mocktails: Whip up a fizzy apple cider drink with floating gummy worms—fun and festive, it’ll excite both kids and adults!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar: For dessert, a gooey cookie bar topped with ice cream brings sweetness to your spooky feast, ensuring guests leave with smiles.
Cranberry Sauce: The tang of cranberry sauce can uplift the savory profile of the dish, proving it’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore!

Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours with these fun suggestions!

Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a vibrant and nutritious touch. Mixing in green veggies not only enhances the dish’s color but also adds a delightful crunch.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a twist on flavor. Each cheese brings its own personality, elevating your ghoul-gheroni experience to new levels of deliciousness!
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like quinoa or chickpea pasta. It’s a fantastic way to keep the festive spirit alive while catering to gluten-sensitive guests.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a fiery surprise in every bite. This addition transforms comfort food into a thrilling Halloween adventure!
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. The depth of flavor from herbs enhances the overall experience, making each bite memorable.
Ghostly Eyes: Use black olives or capers for a spooky twist as ghost eyes. It brings an unexpected element that children and adults will both find amusing at your Halloween gathering!
Meaty Addition: Incorporate cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham for a heartier dish. This twist transforms your spooky ghoul-gheroni into a fulfilling main course that satisfies even the most ravenous appetites.

For dessert, don’t miss our enchanting Pecan Pie Cheesecake to wrap up your festive feast with a bang!

Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right gho-gheroni pasta?
Absolutely! When choosing gho-gheroni pasta, look for shells, penne, or rotini that are roughly the same size and shape, ensuring they hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly. For a more festive touch, you can even try colored pasta if available to add a bit of fun to your dish!

What is the best way to store leftovers?
The more the merrier! Store any leftover Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, where it should stay fresh for about 3 days. If you prefer, you can separate it into individual portions for easy reheat-and-serve options later on.

Can I freeze the Spooky Ghoul-gheroni & Cheese? How?
Certainly! To freeze, prepare the dish up until the baking step, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil—this keeps it safe from frostbite for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge before baking it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

What if the cheese sauce seems too runny?
Not to worry! If your cheese sauce is too runny, it may not have thickened properly. Here’s how to salvage it: Cook the sauce over medium heat and whisk continuously until it bubbles and thickens to your desired consistency. If you’re still facing issues, adding a bit more shredded cheese can also help thicken it up while enhancing the flavor.

Are there any dietary considerations for my kids or pets?
Very! For kids with dairy allergies, substituting almond or oat milk, along with a vegan cheese alternative like nutritional yeast, will keep their bellies happy. As for pets, it’s best to avoid sharing any human food with your furry friends, especially those with cheese—stick to their usual treats to keep them safe and healthy!

What’s the secret to getting perfect mozzarella ghosts?
To create the cutest mozzarella ghosts, slice fresh mozzarella into shapes using small cookie cutters for ease! Arrange them gently on the surface of the pasta before baking, and don’t forget to use sesame seeds or peppercorns for little eyes. Press them lightly into the pasta to make sure they stay in place during baking for the best spooky presentation!