Toxic Waste Mac and Cheese
This creepy green mac and cheese is packed with cheddar, spinach, and cauliflower for a Halloween dinner that’s as spooky as it is secretly healthy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Halloween
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened cashew milk or Half & Half)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp dry mustard powder
1/16 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (e.g., Vermont sharp white cheddar)
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Green food coloring (optional, for extra color)
1 lb dry pasta (e.g., medium shells), cooked and drained
1 head fresh cauliflower, cut and steamed (leave in chunks for visual effect)
Instructions
Make the Roux:
In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Make the Sauce Base:
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
Add salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, and dry mustard. Stir to combine.
Simmer & Add Cheese:
Bring the mixture to a simmer (about 6–8 minutes), stirring regularly.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar until completely melted and smooth.
Add Color & Greens:
Stir in the drained spinach until well incorporated.
Add green food coloring a few drops at a time to reach your desired shade of “toxic” green.
Assemble Mac and Cheese:
Stir in the cooked and drained pasta until fully coated with sauce.
Gently fold in steamed cauliflower. Leave in large chunks for a spooky “toxic clump” look.
Serve:
Serve immediately while warm. Add extra food coloring or toppings if desired for Halloween presentation.
Notes
Medium shell pasta adds a creepy, bumpy look.
Sharp white cheddar helps achieve a green hue easily.
You can omit green coloring if you prefer a natural appearance.
For visual flair, keep cauliflower chunks whole and arrange them on top.
Optional: Serve in a metal “toxic can” or themed bowl for extra Halloween effect!
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/toxic-waste-mac-and-cheese/
