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Halloween mac and cheese in spooky black bowl
ChefMaster Emily

Monster Mac and Cheese

This Monster Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist—loaded with creamy cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and crispy fried onions. Perfect for Halloween parties or any fall gathering, it's easy, customizable, and guaranteed to please!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 2 jalapeños deseeded and chopped
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and add cheeses, stirring until melted.
  5. Fold in the cooked pasta, bacon, and jalapeños until well combined.
  6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with fried onions and extra cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden, about 15–20 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to swap in different cheeses or proteins to suit your taste. For spicier results, add hot sauce or more jalapeños. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.