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Rib Cage Mac & Cheese Recipe

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese is a fun and creative twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring creamy cheddar pasta topped with crescent roll strips arranged to resemble a rib cage. This visually striking dish combines comforting cheese sauce with a flaky golden crust, perfect for Halloween or themed dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese

  • 6 cups cooked macaroni pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar/jack mix)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Crescent Rib Cage Topping

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour this cheesy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Prepare Crescent Roll Ribs: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and cut into 8 to 10 long strips around 1 inch wide. If using perforated dough, press the seams together to create continuous strips.
  5. Shape the Rib Cage: Gently stretch and curve each dough strip into an arch shape resembling a rib bone. Trim the ends to create tapered points. For a realistic effect, make the middle ribs larger and taper the ribs near the edges smaller.
  6. Arrange Ribs on Mac and Cheese: Lay the crescent dough ribs evenly spaced about 1 inch apart over the mac and cheese. Press the ends gently into the edges of the dish to secure them. If desired, brush the crescent ribs with beaten egg to give a shiny golden finish once baked.
  7. Add Decoration: Sprinkle black sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal powder over the crescent strips to mimic bone texture and add visual interest.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent strips are golden brown and fully cooked through.
  9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use seamless crescent roll dough sheets for easier cutting and shaping without perforations.
  • Cheese variety can be adjusted to preference: a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey jack gives a nice balance.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the crescent dough does not contain animal-based ingredients.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute some milk with half-and-half or cream.
  • Be cautious not to overbake to avoid drying out the mac and cheese.
  • The decoration with sesame seeds or paprika is optional but adds an authentic bone-like appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, rib cage mac and cheese, crescent roll mac and cheese, Halloween recipes, cheesy pasta bake, creative mac and cheese

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/rib-cage-mac-and-cheese-recipe/