Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) Recipe

Introduction

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) is a fun and creative twist on a classic comfort food. This cheesy macaroni bake features crescent roll dough shaped like ribs, adding a playful and delicious touch perfect for gatherings or themed dinners.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 1/2 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Step 2: Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk while whisking, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
4. Step 4: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 8 to 10 long strips about 1 inch wide. If using perforated dough, press seams together first to make a seamless strip.
5. Step 5: Shape each strip by gently stretching and curving it into an arch to resemble a rib bone. Trim the ends to create tapered points. For a realistic look, make the middle ribs larger and the ends smaller.
6. Step 6: Lay the crescent “ribs” evenly over the mac and cheese, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press the edges gently into the side of the baking dish to anchor them.
7. Step 7: If desired, brush the crescent ribs lightly with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the ribs with black sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal for texture and a bone-like appearance.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent strips are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Step 10: Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cleanly cut the crescent dough strips for better rib shapes.
• Try mixing in some cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the mac and cheese for added flavor.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute smoked paprika decoration for bacon bits on top.
• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a deeper cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Rib Cage Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispness of the crescent ribs. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini will work well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before combining with the cheese sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the mac and cheese and shape the crescent ribs a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from chilled.

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) Recipe

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Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) is a playful take on a classic comfort food, featuring creamy cheddar mac and cheese topped with arching crescent roll strips shaped like rib bones. This fun and delicious casserole combines a rich cheese sauce with tender pasta, then gets a creative makeover with golden, crispy crescent dough ribs decorated for a spooky yet appetizing look, perfect for themed dinners or playful family meals.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Mac & 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 Roll 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) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the macaroni and cheese doesn’t stick.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar/jack mix), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and cheese is melted.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix the 6 cups of cooked macaroni pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour this cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Prepare Crescent Roll ‘Ribs’: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using perforated dough, press the seams together to create a seamless sheet. Cut the dough into 8 to 10 long strips, about 1 inch wide each.
5. Shape the Ribs: Gently stretch and curve each strip into an arch shape resembling a rib bone. Trim the ends of each strip to create tapered points for a realistic bone effect. For visual interest, make the ribs in the middle slightly larger than those at the ends.
6. Arrange Ribs on Mac & Cheese: Lay the crescent roll ribs over the mac and cheese evenly spaced about 1 inch apart. Press the edges gently into the sides of the baking dish to secure them in place.
7. Apply Egg Wash and Decoration (Optional): If desired, brush the crescent ribs lightly with beaten egg to give a shiny golden finish after baking. Sprinkle black sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal powder on top to add bone-like texture and color.
8. Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent strips are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool Before Serving: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.

Notes

• Use whole milk for a creamier cheese sauce; low-fat milk may result in a thinner sauce.
• If you want a stronger cheese flavor, add a cup of sharp cheddar or a mix of stronger cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free crescent dough if available.
• Be gentle when shaping crescent dough strips to avoid tearing them.
• The optional egg wash helps the crescent ribs to brown and shine nicely but can be omitted for a dairy-free or vegan adaptation if using suitable crescent dough.
• To enhance bone texture, edible charcoal powder can be used sparingly as decoration instead of black sesame or paprika.
• Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before combining with the sauce to prevent over-softness after baking.

Keywords: mac and cheese, crescent roll, baked mac and cheese, cheesy casserole, fun dinner recipe, creative mac and cheese