Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) Recipe

Introduction

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) is a playful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for Halloween or themed dinners. Creamy mac and cheese is topped with crescent roll strips shaped like bones for a fun, spooky presentation.

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 your 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 flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
5. Step 5: Unroll crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 to 10 strips about 1 inch wide. If the dough is perforated, press the seams to seal.
6. Step 6: Shape each strip into an arch resembling a rib bone by gently stretching and curving it. Trim ends to create tapered points, making middle ribs larger and ends smaller for realism.
7. Step 7: Lay the crescent “ribs” evenly over the mac and cheese, spaced about 1 inch apart. Press edges into the dish to anchor. Optionally, brush with beaten egg for shine.
8. Step 8: Dust the crescent ribs with black sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal to add bone texture.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until crescent strips are golden and cooked through.
10. Step 10: Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier sauce.
• For extra gooeyness, stir in a little cream cheese with the shredded cheese.
• If you prefer, shape the crescent dough ribs ahead and refrigerate them before baking to help maintain their shape.
• Try adding cooked bacon or hot sauce into the cheese sauce for a flavor boost.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crescent topping crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with elbow pasta or small shells; just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

You can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as alternatives, though the texture will differ slightly. Just shape the dough into ribs in a similar way and watch the baking time closely.

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) is a creative twist on classic macaroni and cheese, topped with crescent roll dough shaped like rib bones for a fun and visually striking presentation. This baked pasta dish combines creamy cheddar cheese sauce with perfectly cooked macaroni, and golden, flaky pastry ribs, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive occasions or themed dinners.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Macaroni and Cheese

• 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

Crescent Roll Rib Bones

• 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the mac and cheese.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture simmers and thickens. Stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce thoroughly. Pour this cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
4. Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough has perforations, press the seams together to make a seamless sheet. Cut the dough into 8 to 10 strips about 1 inch wide.
5. Shape Crescent Ribs: Gently stretch and curve each strip into an arch shape resembling rib bones. Trim the ends to create tapered points, making the middle ribs slightly larger than those at the ends for a more realistic rib cage look.
6. Arrange and Decorate: Lay the crescent ribs evenly spaced about 1 inch apart over the mac and cheese. Press the edges of the dough gently into the baking dish to anchor them. Optionally, brush the ribs lightly with beaten egg to achieve a golden shine. Dust with black sesame seeds, smoked paprika, or edible charcoal to add bone-like texture.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the crescent ribs are golden brown and cooked through, and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to set the cheese and make it easier to slice.

Notes

• Using whole milk and a good sharp cheddar will yield the creamiest and most flavorful cheese sauce.
• Pressing the perforated crescent dough seams together prevents gaps and helps achieve the rib bone effect.
• Be gentle when shaping crescent strips to avoid tearing the dough.
• The optional egg wash gives the crescent ribs a glossy, golden finish.
• Black sesame seeds or smoked paprika add visual interest and a subtle smoky note to the pastry ribs.
• Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on hot cheese.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Crescent Roll, Baked Pasta, Cheese Sauce, Rib Cage Design, Comfort Food, Party Food