Scooby Mac Doo N Recipe

Cook pasta

Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and the 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions until just al dente (usually 7–9 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make roux

In the same pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbs unsalted butter. Sprinkle in 2 tbs flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until it bubbles and turns slightly golden (this cooks out the raw flour taste).

Make cheese sauce

Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups whole milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 0.5 cup mild cheddar or American, stirring until melted and silky. If sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Stir in 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Combine

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until evenly coated. Keep warm over very low heat while you prepare fries and condiments, 1–2 minutes; do not boil.

Bake or air-fry fries

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat air fryer per manufacturer instructions. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss 4 cups frozen fries with 1 tbs vegetable oil and spread in a single layer. Bake for 18–25 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. If air-frying, cook in batches at 400°F (200°C) for 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Season with 1/2 tsp salt immediately after cooking.

Plate a generous scoop of mac & cheese onto each serving plate. Pile a portion of fries alongside or on top of the mac & cheese (as desired).

Serve with small ramekins or drizzles of ketchup and yellow mustard for dipping. Sprinkle the mac & cheese with the extra 1/4 cup grated cheddar and the optional chopped parsley. For a playful 'Scooby' presentation, add a zigzag of ketchup and mustard across the fries or mac.

Serve immediately while fries are hot and cheese sauce is melty.