Rib Cage Mac & Cheese (Crescent Bone Edition) Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the crescent ribs are golden brown and cooked through, and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
- 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
