Halloween Orange Cheddar Mac Wraps (Print)

Creamy orange cheddar mac hugged in tortillas, baked for a festive main that's perfect for any spooky celebration.

# Ingredients:

→ Macaroni and Cheese Base

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups sharp orange cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wraps and Final Assembly

10 - 6 large flour tortillas
11 - 1/2 cup shredded orange cheddar cheese, for topping
12 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions, optional for garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced, optional for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Prepare the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Incorporate the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously, for one minute to form a light roux.
03 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp orange cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
05 - Add the prepared macaroni to the cheese sauce. Toss gently until every piece of macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce.
06 - Lay out the large flour tortillas. Distribute equal portions of the mac and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
07 - Sprinkle a small amount of additional shredded cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese filling on each tortilla. Fold in the sides of each tortilla and then roll them up tightly in a burrito style.
08 - Arrange the rolled wraps seam-side down in a baking dish. If any extra cheese remains, sprinkle it evenly over the tops of the wraps.
09 - Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
10 - For a festive presentation, garnish the warm wraps with chopped green onions and sliced black olives. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Perfect make ahead option for Halloween parties
02 -
  • These wraps can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
  • Each wrap provides a complete meal with carbs protein and dairy in one portable package
  • The recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings
  • The vibrant orange color comes naturally from the sharp cheddar making these a healthier alternative to artificially colored Halloween treats. My favorite part about this recipe is how the cheese forms little crispy bits around the edges of the tortilla during baking. Those caramelized cheese pieces are always the first to disappear when I serve these at parties.
03 -
  • For the creamiest mac and cheese avoid pre shredded cheese as it contains anti caking agents that can make your sauce grainy
  • Let the wraps rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly making them easier to handle
  • For a crispy exterior brush the tops of the wraps with a little melted butter before baking