Black Mac & Cheese is a bold and spooky twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for Halloween or any occasion where you want to serve something unexpected and fun. This dish combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce with black pasta, typically colored with squid ink or food-safe black coloring, to create a striking appearance while keeping all the cozy, cheesy goodness you love.
The visual impact of Black Mac & Cheese is what makes it stand out. The dark pasta provides a dramatic contrast to the velvety cheese sauce, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any Halloween table or themed party. Despite its edgy appearance, the flavor remains comforting and familiar, with the creamy, savory notes of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan blending perfectly with the pasta.
The squid ink used to color the pasta also adds a subtle hint of briny, ocean-like flavor, giving the dish a little more depth. However, if you prefer to avoid that seafood note, black food coloring pasta works just as well while keeping the flavor neutral. The cheese sauce itself stays true to tradition, made with butter, flour, milk, and lots of melted cheese for that smooth, luscious texture.
Black Mac & Cheese is highly customizable. You can add extras like crispy breadcrumbs on top for texture, roasted garlic for more depth, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. For a Halloween party, consider topping it with edible googly eyes, serving it in mini cauldrons, or pairing it with spooky-themed sides.
Beyond the holiday, it’s a fun conversation starter at dinner parties or an exciting way to serve a comfort food classic with a modern, edgy twist. Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of playful, Black Mac & Cheese proves that comfort food can be both delicious and daring.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces squid ink pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the squid ink pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with black pepper and salt.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition
Honestly, who thinks squid ink pasta is a good idea? Sounds gross. 🙄
My friend said it looks like a witch’s meal! Haha, but it tasted great. Will make again!
I wanna try this but I don’t even know where to get squid ink pasta. Any ideas?
You can often find squid ink pasta at specialty grocery stores or Italian markets. If you can’t find it there, try checking online or even at bigger supermarkets like Whole Foods!
idk where to find it but u can try like whole foods or italian places?? I just use regular pasta sometimes lol
I don’t know about using squid ink. Sounds gross. I prefer the classic way with regular pasta!
Nah, squid ink pasta ain’t for me! I stick to the good ol’ traditional stuff. Can’t beat a classic! 🍝
I get it, squid ink might sound weird, but it actually gives a nice flavor. You should give it a try! Don’t knock it till you try it! 🙌
This is the best mac & cheese I’ve ever had! The squid ink gives it a unique taste. Totally making this again!
Squid ink? That’s kinda weird, don’t you think? I wouldn’t try that.
I’m glad you liked it! The squid ink really does make it stand out. What do you plan to pair it with?
I made this last night, but I think I added too much black pepper. It was spicy! But still tasty.
I tried this out, but I think I messed up the cheese part. It got clumpy, still tasted somewhat okay. Gonna try again!
This is a fun twist on mac & cheese! Love the squid ink pasta!🖤
I think this is too complicated for me! I just want regular mac & cheese
Wow, this looks amazing! Never thought of using squid ink pasta for mac and cheese. Can’t wait to try it!
Really? Squid ink? That sounds kinda weird, but I guess everyone has different tastes. Hope it turns out good!
Thanks! I never thought about using squid ink in mac and cheese either. Excited to give it a shot!
I was skeptical about using squid ink, but wow, it’s surprisingly good. Just be careful with the salt, I added too much and ruined mine.
OMG, so fancy! Made it for a dinner party and everyone was wowed. It was a hit! Definitely a keeper.
Honestly, who puts squid in pasta? I just don’t get why this is a thing. Just stick to regular pasta plz.
I think it’s a unique twist! Squid ink pasta has a rich flavor and it’s visually stunning. You should give it a try before judging!
Eh, not for me. Regular pasta is way better, it’s just classic! Who needs all this fancy stuff?
I was skeptical about the squid ink pasta, but it turned out pretty good! The cheese made it creamy and tasty.
This is the most creative mac & cheese I’ve ever seen! Loved the squid ink pasta!
Not a fan of the squid ink idea. Sounds a bit too fancy for mac and cheese. Mac should be comforting, not like a science project.
I get what you mean! Mac and cheese is meant to be cozy and simple, not a fancy restaurant dish. I prefer the classic version too!
Simple and easy recipe! Will add bacon next time for extra flavor!
Bacon sounds like a great idea! Can’t wait to try it with that twist!
Whoa, never thought about black pasta! Sure is interesting. Might give it a shot!
Black pasta is cool! I tried it once at a restaurant and loved it. Hope your mac & cheese turns out great!
Simple and delicious! I didn’t have squid ink pasta, used regular spaghetti and it turned out great!
I haven’t made it yet, but I’m excited! Gonna impress my friends with this!
Super easy to follow! I love the colors of this dish. My friends were impressed! 10/10 would recommend.
Just made this and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors are out of this world! I added some bacon bits too.
Bacon bits? Wow, that’s a great idea! I love adding something crunchy to my mac and cheese. I’m definitely trying that next time!
Not sure what the fuss is about. It tasted kinda weird to me. Definitely not my fav mac and cheese.
I totally get what you mean! The squid ink pasta can throw people off. I loved it, but it’s definitely an acquired taste.
This looks amazing! Just made it for dinner and my kids loved it! 5 stars!
Uhh… can I use regular macaroni instead? That’s kinda hard to find and I don’t want black pasta, lol
I think regular macaroni would be fine! It’s just about the cheese sauce, right? Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit!
Not a huge fan of cheesy pasta, but I can see why people like it. Just not for me.
I mean, squid ink? Really? Sounds like a gimmick 😒. How can that even taste good?
I forgot to add the butter and it still turned out okay! Stress-free for once. Gonna try it with shrimp next time.
Yum. But why squid ink? Is it healthy? Asking for a friend.
Delicious! My whole family loved it! So much fun to eat something that looks spooky!
This was so good! My kids loved the black color too! 😍
Why would you put black stuff in mac and cheese? Sounds weird. Cheese should be yellow, duh!
Yum! But I substituted the cheese with vegan cheeze cause I’m lactose intolerant. Still turned out pretty good!
That’s awesome! Vegan cheese can really surprise you sometimes. Glad it worked out!
Sounds delish, but do you have to use squid ink? What if I use regular pasta? 🧐
You can use regular pasta if you want! It won’t have that cool black color, but it should still taste good! 😊
Don’t think regular pasta will be as good. Squid ink gives the unique flavor. Why mess with perfection?
This looks so weird but I’m intrigued! I love mac and cheese, and the squid ink pasta is just a bonus! Can’t wait to try it!
Yea, but it looks kinda weird… I’m not sure I can serve that to guests.
Not my thing. I prefer to stick with the normal cheese. Black is not my color for food.
Different strokes for different folks! I love trying unique flavors, but I get it. Black food can be a hard pass for some people.
Can someone tell me where to buy squid ink pasta? I can’t find it anywhere! 🤔
Tried it and my kids loved it! They thought it was magic 😁. Will make again!
Made this for a dinner party, and it was a hit! Everyone thought I was a gourmet chef or something.
Not sure about that squid ink… sounds kinda gross to me. Might just stick with regular pasta.
I used to think that too, but it’s actually really good! You should give it a try once.
Black pasta? Seriously? Thought it was just a joke. But I guess it kinda works.
Mac & Cheese w squid ink? Sounds fancy but really it just looks weird. My kids wouldn’t eat it at all.
Squid ink? That’s just weird. I wouldn’t even think of offering that to my kids. Stick to good ol’ mac and cheese!
I think it’s actually really unique! My kids loved it and they are super picky. Maybe give it a try? You never know!
Made this for my dinner party, and it was a hit! Everyone was impressed. Thanks!
Wow, that sounds amazing! I’m glad everyone loved it. I bet the squid ink made it look so fancy!
Disgusting! Who puts black stuff in cheese? I don’t understand the point of that.
Tried this recipe for a dinner party. Everyone was confused but loved it! 🤔🧀
Wasn’t what I expected. The cheese sauce is nice but the squids… 🤷♂️
Honestly, how could you not love squids in mac & cheese? It’s a bold twist! Maybe you just didn’t cook them right…
I totally get it! The squids can be a bit too much for some. But the cheese 🤤 is definitely a winner!
Um, isn’t squid ink bad for you? I heard it’s toxic. Should I be worried?
Squid ink is actually safe to eat! It’s used in many dishes and adds a nice flavor. Don’t stress about it!
This is the weirdest mac & cheese I’ve ever made! But honestly, it tastes incredible! The kids were surprised but loved it.
This sounds so interesting! Squid ink pasta? Never heard of it but I’m definitely intrigued! How did it turn out visually?
Ewwww, who puts ink in pasta? That’s disgusting. I don’t care how it tastes, I can’t get over it.
I dunno, squid ink? A bit weird, right? I bet my kids won’t eat this.
Looks black and dish like my ex’s cooking. No thanks.
Yummy! But why do I feel like a witch cooking this? Haha. Spooky dinner vibes!