Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese portion, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the crescent “ribs” right before baking so they stay fresh and flaky.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes! Try a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a grown-up twist, or toss in a little cream cheese for extra richness.

What if I don’t have crescent dough?

You can use puff pastry or even strips of pie dough. The texture will vary, but the look will still scream “Halloween party showstopper.”

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for that just-baked crispness.

Rib Cage Mac and Cheese: 3 Spooky-Creamy Secrets

Description

This Rib Cage Mac and Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) is the ultimate spooky comfort dish for Halloween or cozy fall nights. Creamy, cheesy macaroni is baked under buttery crescent “ribs” for a delightfully eerie yet family-friendly dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups cooked macaroni pasta
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
3 cups shredded cheddar (or cheddar/jack mix)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (preferably seamless dough sheet)
(Optional) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
(Optional) black sesame seeds or smoked paprika for decoration

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy and melted.
Combine: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce, coating evenly. Pour into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Shape Crescent “Ribs”: Unroll crescent dough onto a floured surface. Press seams together if perforated. Cut into 8–10 strips about 1 inch wide.
Form the Rib Cage: Curve each strip into an arch shape and place over the mac and cheese about 1 inch apart. Press ends into the dish edges to anchor.
Add Shine & Texture: Brush with beaten egg if desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal for bone-like color.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until crescent strips are golden brown and fully cooked.
Cool & Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving your spooky, cheesy masterpiece.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mac and cheese portion a day in advance. Add crescent “ribs” just before baking.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
For Extra Creep Factor: Add edible black food coloring to the dough edges before baking for darker “bones.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg