Description
Pumpkin mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy cheese with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, offering a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese that will impress everyone at your table. With its vibrant orange hue and rich, velvety texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk and pumpkin puree; cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheese: Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar until fully melted.
- Combine: Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Optional baking step: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg