Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to getting the pasta brain to hold its shape and not fall apart when I flip it out of the mold?

The secret is to let it rest ! After the Pasta Brain comes out of the hot oven, it is crucial to let it sit and cool in its mold for at least 30 minutes . This allows the egg and the melted cheese to cool down and to fully set, which is the key that transforms the loose noodles into a firm, sliceable "cake" that will hold its beautiful brain shape.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time for a Halloween party?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead centerpiece! You can fully assemble the entire unbaked Pasta Brain, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours . When your party starts, you can simply pop it in the oven to bake.

Q3: What are udon noodles?

Udon are a type of thick, chewy noodle made from wheat flour that is very popular in Japanese cuisine. Their thick, white, and slightly squiggly shape is the brilliant secret that makes them look so realistically like "brain matter" in this fun recipe!

Q4: Do I have to make the foil mold, or can I just use a brain-shaped pan?

If you have a brain-shaped cake pan or a gelatin mold, you can absolutely use that as a fantastic shortcut! Just be sure that it is oven-safe and be sure to grease it very, very well. Q5: What is the best way to reheat leftover slices of the Pasta Brain? The best wa

Q5: What is the best way to reheat leftover slices of the Pasta Brain?

The best way to reheat it and re-crisp the breadcrumb topping is to place the slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, until they are hot all the way through.

Pasta Brain (The Ultimate Halloween Dinner!)

A creative and spooky Halloween-themed main course that shapes a pasta dish to look like a ‘brain.’ This recipe uses pre-cooked udon noodles, which are tossed in a mixture of eggs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The noodles are then packed into a custom, homemade foil mold set inside a large bowl. The center is filled with a pocket of pre-made meatballs and prosciutto. The entire ‘brain’ is topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until set and golden brown. It is served with warm marinara sauce poured into the center channel for a gory effect.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

One 32-ounce jar marinara sauce
1 pound premade small meatballs
Kosher salt
Two 20.82-ounce packages pre-cooked udon noodles
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella
3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 ounces sliced prosciutto
1/2 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a medium saucepan, warm the marinara sauce and meatballs over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for later.
Cook the udon noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain.
Create the Brain Mold: Use several pieces of aluminum foil to create a divider and supports inside a 10-cup heatproof bowl, forming two hemispheres. Cover the foil structure with another large piece of foil, pressing it into the mold shape. Generously spray the mold with nonstick spray.
Assemble the ‘Brain’: In a large bowl, whisk together the mozzarella, eggs, the reserved 1 cup of sauce, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat.
Transfer half of the noodles to the prepared mold, pressing gently to create a well in the center. Line the well with half of the prosciutto.
Fill the well with the meatballs (leaving the sauce behind in the pot). Top the meatballs with the remaining prosciutto to create a pocket.
Top with the remaining noodles, pressing them firmly into the mold.
In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the noodles.
Bake: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are deep golden brown and the noodles have set.
Let the dish sit in the mold for 30 minutes before unmolding. Invert it onto a cutting board and pour the remaining warm marinara sauce down the center channel.

Notes

This is a showstopper Halloween dish that relies on a creative, homemade foil mold to achieve its ‘brain’ shape.
Using pre-cooked udon noodles and pre-made meatballs are key time-saving shortcuts for this elaborate-looking dish.
Letting the ‘brain’ rest for 30 minutes after baking is a crucial step that allows it to set so it will hold its shape when unmolded.
The article references a ‘Cook’s Note’ that is not included in the provided text.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/pasta-brain/