Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe
It gets the same gasp as the black pasta but it's pure comfort food underneath — perfect for picky eaters who want spooky without 'weird' ingredients. The orange cheddar against black is a stunning plate.
Ingredients for Black Mac and Cheese
- 1 lb cellentani or elbow pasta
- 1 tsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar (orange)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers + 2 tbsp butter (topping)
How to Make Black Mac and Cheese Step by Step
- Boil the pasta in well-salted water until al dente; drain.
- Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute to make a roux.
- Whisk in the warm milk gradually; simmer until thickened, 4-5 minutes.
- Whisk in the activated charcoal until the sauce turns uniformly black.
- Off the heat, melt in both cheddars a handful at a time. Season with Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper.
- Fold in the pasta, transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered cracker crumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
💡 Tips for the Best Black Mac and Cheese
Use food-grade activated charcoal from the supplement aisle — a little goes a long way. White pepper keeps the sauce purely black (black pepper shows as specks, which actually looks cool too). Serve in white ramekins for maximum drama.
Halloween Party Serving Ideas
Pair with a bright orange roasted carrot salad — the color contrast is a whole Halloween tablescape on one plate.
Love this recipe?
Save it to your Halloween board so it's there when spooky season hits.
📌 Pin it for laterFrequently Asked Questions
Is activated charcoal safe to eat?
Food-grade activated charcoal is safe in small culinary amounts. It can interfere with medications, so skip it if anyone at the table takes daily prescriptions and check with a pharmacist.
Will it stain teeth?
Temporarily, maybe a little — it brushes right off. It's part of the fun.
Can I use black cocoa instead?
No — cocoa changes the flavor. Squid ink also works but gives a brinier taste; charcoal is flavor-neutral.
Does it taste different from regular mac and cheese?
Not at all — rich, sharp, creamy cheddar all the way.